Parsley Piert, Field parsley piert

Aphanes arvensis

Physical Characteristics

Aphanes arvensis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to October, and the seeds ripen from July to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain, east to Iran in W. Asia.

Habitats

Lawn; Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - eaten raw in salads or pickled for winter use[4, 5, 52, 183]. The plant is rarely eaten nowadays[238].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Demulcent Diuretic Refrigerant Urinary Parsley piert has a long history of folk use, being commonly employed to rid the body of stones in the kidney or bladder. It has become a highly respected herb in modern herbalism for the treatment of kidney stones[268]. The whole herb is astringent, demulcent, diuretic and refrigerant[4, 53, 165]. It is used mainly as an infusion in the treatment of kidney and bladder complaints (including cystitis and recurrent urinary infections), jaundice etc[4, 238]. A very valuable remedy, acting violently but safely by promoting the flow of urine[4], it is often used in combination with other herbs[238, 254]. The plant is harvested in early summer and can be used fresh or dried[238]. The herb is considered to be most efficacious when it is freshly collected and dried[238].

Known Hazards

None known