map
Cow-parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris Family: Apiaceae
Cow-parsley
Anthriscus sylvestris


Flowering time: April-June. Perennial.

Abundant throughout most of Britain and Ireland on roadsides, hedgebanks and at the edges of woodland.

Long-stalked umbels of white flowers without bracts but with broad, deflexed and often pinkish bracteoles. Smooth shiny fruit. The fern-like, triangular, 3-pinnate leaves appear from September and over-winter.

Similar: Fools Parsley, Aethusa cynapium. Smaller, flowers July-August.
Hemlock, Conium maculatum has purple-spotted stems


Cow-parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris     Cow-parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris

Cow-parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris
Cow-parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris
Holton Lee, Dorset. October 2012

All images used are copyright. Please contact me if you find errors.