Wild chervil
(Anthriscus sylvestris)
General description:
Herbaceous, monocarpic perennial that has hollow stems covered in soft hairs.
Leaves: Alternate, fern-like leaflets are nearly hairless with the leaf base clasping the stem. Flowers: Umbels of small, 5-petaled, white flowers blooms late May-early July. Fruits and seeds: Each flower produces 2 shiny, long brown seeds that are joined. Roots: Thick taproot with lateral buds can be up to 6’ deep.
Ecological threat:
- Invades roadsides, open woods, fields and pastures.
- It is a host to parsnip yellow fleck virus which infects carrots, celery, and parsnips.
- It has been planted as an ornamental and is found in some European wildflower seed mixes.
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