Torilis arvensis aka Spreading Hedge Parsley

Taxonomy

Genus Torilis Family Apiaceae Order Apiales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Torilis arvensis, also known as spreading hedgeparsley, tall sock-destroyer and common hedge parsley, is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae. It is a common weed that is native to parts of Europe but has been introduced and thrives as an invasive species in North America. This annual herb grows up to a meter in height and has rough-haired, slender, branching stems. The leaves are alternately arranged and divided into several pairs of lance-shaped leaflets that are deeply cut into segments or teeth. The inflorescence is a wide, open compound umbel of flower clusters on long, slender rays. Each flower has five unequal white petals with a pinkish or reddish tinge. The greenish or pinkish fruits are 3 to 5 millimeters long and are coated in straight or curving prickles. Hedge parsley is a nuisance due to its vigorous growth and bur-like seeds that stick to clothing and animal fur. It can grow in many types of habitat, especially disturbed areas, such as pastures, fields, edges of forests, roadsides, and gardens. Spreading hedgeparsley is a rare houseplant that is a fun challenge to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It belongs to the Torilis genus and is native to Europe, East Asia, and North Africa. It prefers soil that is well-draining and does best in long-lasting, direct light less than 1 foot from a window. Repotting each time it doubles in size should provide sufficient nutrients without added fertilizers.

Common names

Spreading Hedge Parsley, Spreading Hedgeparsley, Hedge Parsley, Tall Sock Destroyer, Common Hedge Parsley

How to care for Spreading Hedge Parsley

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Spreading Hedge Parsley due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Spreading Hedge Parsley should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Spreading Hedge Parsley loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Spreading Hedge Parsley prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Spreading Hedge Parsley to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Spreading Hedge Parsley is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Spreading Hedge Parsley grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

More info:
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More Species in Torilis Genus

Torilis japonica Upright Hedge Parsley

Torilis nodosa Hedge Parsley