- Cow Parsley
Taxobox
name = Cow Parsley
image_width = 250px
regnum =Plant ae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo =Apiales
familia =Apiaceae
genus = "Anthriscus "
species = "A. sylvestris"
binomial = "Anthriscus sylvestris"
binomial_authority = Hoffm.Cow Parsley ("Anthriscus sylvestris"; also known as Wild Chervil, Wild Beaked Parsley, and Keck) is a
herbaceous biennial or short-livedperennial plant in the familyApiaceae , genus "Anthriscus ". It is native toEurope , westernAsia and northwesternAfrica ; in the south of its range in theMediterranean region , it is limited to higher altitudes. It is related to other diverse members of Apiaceae such asparsley ,carrot , hemlock andhogweed .The hollow stem grows to a height of between 60-170 cm, branching to umbels of small white flowers. Flowering time is mid-spring to early summer.
The tripinnate leaves are 15-30 cm long and have a triangular form. The
leaflet s are ovate and subdivided.Cow Parsley grows in sunny to semi-shaded locations in
meadow s and at the edges of hedgerows and woodland. It is a particularly common sight by the roadside. It is sufficiently common and fast-growing to be considered a nuisanceweed in gardens. Cow parsley's ability to grow rapidly through rhizomes and to produce large quantities of seeds in a single growing season has made it an invasive species in many areas of the United States. The state of Vermont has listed cow parsley on its "Watch List" of invasive species while Massachusetts and Washington have banned the sale of the plant.Uses
"Warning: Cow Parsley can be mistaken for the similar-looking
Poison hemlock andFool's parsley . Do not rely on Wikipedia alone when identifying plants for consumption."Cow Parsley is considered to be edible, though having a somewhat unpleasant flavour, sharper than Garden Chervil, with a hint of
Carrot .Cow Parsley is rumoured to be a natural
mosquito repellent when applied directly to the skin.Fact|date=July 2007References
* [http://internt.nhm.ac.uk/jobj/runjava.jobj?java=ctol.CTOLServer&method=printNamePage&accountref=987&NAMEID=10355&switchgraphtype=java&frametype=leftright Natural History Museum]
* [http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Anthriscus+sylvestris Plants For A Future]
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