Cow Parsley

A native wildflower (peirsil bhó), Anthriscus sylvestris is a familiar sight along country waysides in late spring. It’s a tall, vigorous, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with an upright habit, and the pretty, fern-like, bright green leaves emerge very early, suppressing weeds. Flat, airy umbels of creamy-white flowers appear from late April to early June, floating attractively above the foliage. Cow parsley is a good plant for the wilder areas of country gardens; it’s tough and easy to grow, and does well where other wildflowers may not thrive, such as where the soil is very fertile and where there is hedge-root competition. It’s also very good for pollinators, and its seeds provide food for birds.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any reasonably well-drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: May in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 5’ (1.5m) Spread: 3’3” (1m)