Overview

Anthriscus sylvestris is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Anthriscus, part of the Apiaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Anthriscus sylvestris grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds, wildlife gardens and wildflower meadow.

About

Anthriscus sylvestris, known as cow parsley, wild chervil, Queen Anne's lace or keck, is a herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial plant in the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). It is also sometimes called mother-die (especially in the UK), a name that is also applied to the common hawthorn. It is native to Europe, western Asia and northwestern Africa. It is related to other diverse members of Apiaceae, such as parsley, carrot, hemlock and hogweed. Mature plants reach roughly 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying semi evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and west-facing, south-facing and east-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Anthriscus sylvestris

About the genus

Anthriscus (chervils) is a common flowering plant genus of the family Apiaceae, which includes 14 species native to Europe, temperate Asia, northwest Africa, and the tropical African mountains. The genus grows in meadows and verges on slightly wet porous soils. One species, Anthriscus cerefolium is cultivated and used in the kitchen to flavor foods.

Wikipedia contributors, "Anthriscus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Anthriscus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Anthriscus

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

West-facing, South-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Anthriscus sylvestris size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial

Habit

Columnar upright

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Height

1-1.5 metres

Spread

0.5-1 metres

Time to full height

1-2 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Anthriscus sylvestris

Propagation

Seed sown in spring and early summer

Pest resistance

Slugs, Snails, Caterpillars

Disease resistance

Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions