Anthriscus sylvestris aka Bur Chervil

Anthriscus sylvestris, or cow parsley, belongs to the carrot family, Apiaceae. Its native range spans temperate Eurasia and tropical African mountains. It grows wild in Britain, along roadsides and hedge banks. Other names include wild chervil, keck, and wild parsley. Several unrelated plants share its common names, which can cause confusion.

This herb grows as a biennial or short-lived perennial. It has an upright form and partly evergreen foliage. Garden plants reach about 3.3–4.9 feet (1–1.5 metres) tall. Their spread reaches about 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 metre). Plants reach their full size within one or two years. Many small white flowers form umbels in late spring and early summer. These pale flower heads bring a light texture to wild plantings.

Cow parsley grows in full sun or partial shade. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sandy soils. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Good drainage matters, though it tolerates dry to moist conditions. The RHS rates its cold hardiness as H6. This covers winter lows near −4 to 5°F (−20 to −15°C). PFAF lists it for USDA zones 6–9. Both exposed and sheltered sites can suit this plant.

The RHS suggests it for wildlife gardens and wildflower meadows. PFAF also places it at woodland edges and in hedgerows. It seeds freely, so remove spent flowers to limit spread. Its tendency to seed can make it a garden weed. Raise new plants from seed in a cold frame. Sow in either autumn or spring. Slugs, snails, and caterpillars may feed on young shoots. Powdery mildew can also affect the plant.

Reports of food use require caution, not an assumption of safety. PFAF records raw or cooked leaves and cooked roots as foods. It describes the leaf flavour as poor. It also records root use as a tonic for weakness. Leaves and stems yield a green dye that soon fades. Yet PFAF warns of possible poisoning in mammals. This plant also resembles highly poisonous species. The RHS warns of skin harm when sunlight follows contact. That warning covers people, dogs, and cats. Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling it. These hazards make casual tasting or uncertain identification unsafe.