Cow parsley

Cow parsley facts

Scientific name: Anthriscus sylvestris

Family: Apiaceae

Origin: Native

Type: Perennial

Cow parsley and our canals

The earliest flowering member of the carrot family (known as umbellifers), cow parsley is a familiar sight along canal towpaths, hedgerows and roadside verges. It’s an important species for wildlife. Butterflies, bees and hoverflies, in particular, are fond of cow parsley.

Despite its similar appearance to the poisonous hemlock water dropwort and giant hogweed, cow parsley is edible – but doesn’t taste particularly nice.

What does cow parsley look like?

Cow parsley is a tall flower growing up to one metre with clusters of delicate white flowers (umbels) and large leaves. It bears a strong resemblance to fool’s parsley, upright hedge parsley and wild carrot, among others.

Where to find cow parsley

Cow parsley can grow just about anywhere – but it prefers shaded areas and is often seen along hedgerows and woodland edges.

When to see cow parsley

You might spot the frothy white flowers of cow parsley from April to June.

Other plant species to look out for