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Fool's parsley
Also known as: Fool's cicely
An annual herb, fool's parsley, or Aethusa cynapium, is toxic, like its relative, hemlock. It is a common weed and is easily confused with Queen Anne’s Lace. Fool's parsley is commonly found in the Northeastern United States, but can be found elsewhere as well.
Scientific classification
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Annual
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Summer, Fall
Bloom Time
Summer, Fall
Harvest Time
80 cm
Plant Height
Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Fool's parsley

Distribution of Fool's parsley

Distribution Map
Fool's parsley is native to regions of Europe and adjoining parts of Asia and North Africa. In the modern era, it has been introduced to additional major regions, establishing itself in parts of temperate Asia and North Africa. Fool's parsley has shown adaptability to various environments outside its native range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Waste places, cultivated ground
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Toxicity

Fool's parsley is highly toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. All parts of the plant cause poisoning through ingestion, marked by severe gastrointestinal and nervous system symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and potentially deadly respiratory failure. Immediate medical or veterinary intervention is vital upon suspected ingestion due to its resemblance to non-toxic plants, increasing accidental ingestion risks.
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Weed Control

Fool's parsley originated in Europe and Western Asia. This plant is notoriously problematic as a weed due to its aggressive ability to reproduce and spread. Specially, fool's parsley produces large amounts of seeds, which aids in its rapid and robust growth. Another significant feature that makes it a weed is its capacity to destabilize ecosystems by occupying large areas and excluding native plants. Fool's parsley is especially harmful to gardens because it can overtake and dominate garden vegetation, leaving little room for the growth of preferred plants. It can also have an adverse effect on crop yields in farming scenarios. The primary means by which fool's parsley spreads is through seed dispersal. Whether by wind, water, or through fauna, these seeds can be distributed across wide areas, thereby facilitating the plant's invasion of new territories.
How to Control It
The best time to remove 'fool's parsley' or Fool's parsley is during late spring to early summer, ideally before the plant starts to set seed.
  1. Manual Uprooting: Put on a pair of gardening gloves. Identify fool's parsley plants due to their unique features, such as finely divided leaves and small white flowers. Hold the stem right above the root. Pull the weed out of the ground, making sure to remove the entire root to prevent regrowth.
  2. Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, about 2-3 inches high, around your desired plants. This will prevent sunlight from reaching the soil surface, inhibiting fool's parsley seeds from germinating.
  3. Solarization: This is an organic method best used during the hot summer months. First, clear and water the area infested with fool's parsley. Then cover it with a clear plastic tarp, burying the edges to seal in heat. Leave it for 6-8 weeks. The intense heat and lack of oxygen will kill fool's parsley seeds and young seedlings.
  4. Planting Competitive Plants: Using plants that are good ground cover like perennials or annuals can compete with fool's parsley for resources and discourage its growth.
  5. Using Vinegar Solution: Mix a solution of 10% vinegar and 90% water. Spray this solution directly onto fool's parsley, making sure to cover all the leaves and stem. This method is best used on a hot day and can cause the weeds to wilt and die.
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Care Guide for Fool's parsley

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Fool's parsley thrives in moderate moisture, preferring consistent soil hydration without waterlogging. Weekly watering suffices for its health. It's typically grown outdoors, where natural rainfall during the active growing season supports robust growth.
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