Anthriscus sylvestris

RHS Plant Profile
cow parsley

Other common names

cow weed, deil's meal, keck, mock chervil, orchard weed, Queen Anne's lace, wild caraway, wild chervil, wild parsley, gorthfail llyfn

Synonyms

Cerefolium sylvestre

Herbaceous Perennial Annual Biennial

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial. See cow parsley for more information

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