Anthriscus sylvestris
cow parsley
A common British wild plant, flowering on hedge banks and roadsides in late spring and early summer with frothy white umbels composed of numerous small flowers
Other common names
cow weeddeil's meal
see morekeck
mock chervil
orchard weed
Queen Anne's lace
wild caraway
wild chervil
wild parsley
gorthfail llyfn
Synonyms
Cerefolium sylvestre
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful to skin with sunlight. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Anthriscus can be annuals, biennials or perennials, with fern-like leaves and umbels of tiny white flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grown in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It is biennial or short-lived perennial
Propagation
Propagate by seed. Sow seeds in a cold frame in autumn or spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
Deadhead to prevent prolific self-seeding
Pests
May be susceptible to slug, snail and caterpillar damage on young growth
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.