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 H6. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens and wildflower meadow. It is native to Eurasia.
About
Anthriscus sylvestris, commonly found across Britain, blooms in late spring and early summer along hedge banks and roadsides. Its clusters of small white flowers form airy umbels that create a distinctive appearance in the wild landscape.
About the genus
Anthriscus includes annual, biennial, and perennial species characterized by feathery foliage and clusters of small white flowers arranged in umbels.
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
- H6
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
- Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
- Native to
- Eurasia
- Toxicity
- Humans/Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful to skin with sunlight. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Anthriscus sylvestris
- Cultivation
- Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial. See cow parsley for more information
- Pruning
- Deadhead to prevent prolific self-seeding
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. Sow seeds in a cold frame in autumn or spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slug, snail and caterpillar damage on young growth
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Anthriscus sylvestris?
Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial. See cow parsley for more information.
Where is the best place to plant Anthriscus sylvestris?
Anthriscus sylvestris prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Anthriscus sylvestris need?
Anthriscus sylvestris is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Anthriscus sylvestris?
Deadhead to prevent prolific self-seeding.
How big does Anthriscus sylvestris grow?
Anthriscus sylvestris reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Anthriscus sylvestris hardy in the UK?
Anthriscus sylvestris has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Anthriscus sylvestris?
Propagate by seed. Sow seeds in a cold frame in autumn or spring.
Is Anthriscus sylvestris toxic?
Humans/Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful to skin with sunlight. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.