Cow parsley - Anthriscus sylvestris (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Cow parsley

Cow parsley is a short-lived, herbaceous perennial. It can be easily confused with toxic plants such as poison hemlock and fool’s parsley, so it is best avoided. Its close resemblance to these toxic plants gave it another name: mother-die. Cow parsley can be invasive and tends to shade out native grasses. This also increases erosion rates by reducing the number of supportive root structures.

Scientific classification

Species

Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris)

Carrots, ivies and allies

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Biennial, Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall, Mid winter

Harvest Time

60 cm to 1.5 m

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Size

Green, Black, Yellow

Fruit Color

White

Flower Color

Green, White

Stem Color

Images of Cow parsley

Distribution of Cow parsley

Distribution Map

Cow parsley is native to large parts of Eurasia and Central Africa. In the Mediterranean, it is typically found at higher altitudes. It has spread to South Africa, the eastern and western coasts of North America, and Greenland. It prefers shady locations like woodland edges, hedgerows, and meadow peripheries.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Roadsides, hedges

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Useful knowledge

Interesting Facts

There are conflicting views about whether cows do or should eat cow parsley. The concern is that it could be confused with poisonous look-alikes, so it is best avoided. Another name for cow parsley is Queen Anne’s lace. The delicate flowers are reminiscent of the lace worn by royalty and the aristocracy, and tradition had it that they bloomed for Queen Anne and her ladies in waiting.

Name Story

Cow parsley: The origin of the name Anthriscus is unclear, while sylvestris translates as “of the woods.” However, as Anthriscus sylvestris grows in so many habitats, it could imply “growing wild.”

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Toxicity

Cow parsley poses mild toxicity to both cats and dogs. All parts can be poisonous when ingested in large amounts, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and general discomfort. Immediate veterinary care is essential if pets show signs of ingestion. Keep cow parsley out of pets' reach to avoid health risks. Seek immediate veterinary care if ingestion is suspected to ensure pet safety.

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Weed Control

Cow parsley is a perennial plant that typically grows wild in fields, roadsides and forests. A rapid spreader, cow parsley is a weed that threatens native wildflowers in areas outside its native range.

How to Control It

The best season for weed control of cow parsley is late spring and early summer, preferably before the plant reaches flowering stage. This will prevent the plant from producing and spreading seeds which could exacerbate the problem.

Hand Pulling: This is a simple and effective method and it's often the most feasible for small infestations. Wear a pair of gardening gloves and try uprooting the cow parsley by getting a firm grasp close to the base of the plant and pulling firmly. Try to get as much of the root system as possible.
Mowing / Cutting: Another technique is to disturb the plant's growth by frequently cutting it down. Use a suitable garden tool, such as a mower or a strimmer, and cut the plants down before they get to flower. Repeating this process regularly can eventually lead to the plant's eradication.
Smothering: You can control cow parsley by covering the area with a thick layer of mulch or a weed-suppressing membrane. Smothering the weeds like this starves them of sunlight and eventually kills them. Remember, the material should be adequately thick to completely block out sunlight.
Solarization: This is particularly effective in sunny areas. Water the area infested by cow parsley, then cover it with a clear plastic tarp for at least 4 to 6 weeks during the hottest part of the year. The heat accumulated under the plastic will kill the plants and their seeds.

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Care Guide for Cow parsley

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Native to temperate climates, cow parsley thrives in consistently moist soil, requiring weekly watering to avoid drought or waterlogging. Typically growing outdoors, it flourishes when rainfall matches its natural growing season, highlighting the critical role of water in its life cycle.

Propagation: Cow parsley is best propagated by sowing in Spring, as it self-seeds easily. Successful propagation is signaled by strong seedling growth, and no specific tips are needed for effective results.

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Images of Cow parsley

Distribution of Cow parsley

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Care Guide for Cow parsley

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