Cow Parsley, Wild chervil

Anthriscus sylvestris

Physical Characteristics

Anthriscus sylvestris is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and Siberia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedgerow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: The leaves are eaten raw, cooked as a potherb or used as a flavouring[5, 12, 53, 183]. They taste somewhat less than wonderful[K]. Root - cooked[183].

Medicinal Uses

Tonic The root is soaked for several days in rice washings and then cooked with other foods as a tonic for general weakness[218].

Known Hazards

This plant is suspected of being poisonous to mammals[76]. It also looks very similar to some very poisonous species so great care must be taken when identifying it[12].