SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 903.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "903" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

aethusa

Scientific Name: Aethusa

Family: Apiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Fool's Parsley (Aethusa cynapium)

Aethusa cynapium, commonly known as Fool's Parsley, Fool's Cicely, or Poison Parsley, is an herb with a rich history, known both for its purported medicinal uses and its poisonous properties.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is described as poisonous and having paralyzing effects.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is described as poisonous and especially suited to children during dentition.

Quirky Facts

  • The name Aethusa comes from the Arabic term 'ai,' meaning 'to burn,' referencing the plant's tendency to cause rawness.
  • In Greek mythology, Aethusa was a daughter of Poseidon. The word aethusa was also used as an epithet for a portico open to the sun.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Aethusa cynapium L.
  • Common Names: Fool's Parsley, Fool's Cicely, Poison Parsley, Dog Parsley, Garden Hemlock
  • Family: Apiaceae (also known as Umbelliferae or Carrot Family)
  • Synonyms: Aethusa micrantha Opiz, Aethusa cicuta Meck., Aethusa tenuifolia S.F. Gray, Cicuta cynapium, Selinum cynapium, Aethusa cicuta, Aethusa toxicaria, Aethusa tenifolia, Coriandrum cynapium

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Europe and western Asia.
  • Naturalized in America.
  • First recorded in Britain by 1597, with evidence suggesting losses in its range in N. & W. Britain.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Annual (rarely biennial) herb growing up to 1.2 m (4 ft) tall.
  • Flowering period: July to August; seeds ripen from August to September.
  • Low to medium hairless plant with ribbed stems.
  • Leaves are 2 or 3 pinnate and dark green.
  • Flowers are white, 2 mm in size, arranged in umbels with 10 to 20 rays. Petals are unequal.
  • Bracts are absent.

Traditional and Homeopathic Uses

  • Used as a homeopathic remedy (Aeth) for various conditions, including milk intolerance in children, gastro-intestinal disturbances, and nervous system issues.
  • Historically used to treat cases of cholera infantum, vomiting, and diarrhea in children.
  • Reported to have narcotic properties.

Interactions

  • Can be easily confused with Silica terra, another remedy used for milk intolerance.

Resources and Further Information

  • Taxonomic Serial No.: 29569.
  • The Plant List Version 1.1.
  • Michigan Flora Online.