How to grow cow parsley
All you need to know about growing cow parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris, in this practical Grow Guide.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
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| Flowers | yes | yes | ||||||||||
| Cut Back | yes | yes |
Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) is a common native plant, bearing light, airy umbelliferous heads of tiny white flowers from late spring to early summer. It's a great choice for naturalistic planting schemes and works well when planted in large drifts in a shady, woodland border.
Identifying cow parsley
Cow parsley grows to heights of 1.2m and bears sprays of white, umbelliferous flowers above finely divided, alternate lacy leaves. Its stems are slightly hairy, and hollow.
It can be confused with fool’s parsley (Aethusa cynapium), which has unpleasant-smelling leaves when crushed, upright hedge-parsley (Torilis japonica), which flowers later in the year than cow parsley, hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), which flowers later and has large, broad and hairy leaves, and hemlock (Conium maculatum) which has very similar leaves to cow parsley but is taller, growing to 2m, and has distinctive purple spots on its stem. Bear in mind that both fool's parsley and hemlock are poisonous, with hemlock poisoning often being fatal, so if you're foraging for cow parsley to eat, make sure you get the right plant.
Cow parsley benefits to wildlife
Cow parsley is important source of early nectar and pollen for a variety of insects, including bees, moths and hoverflies. It's used as a caterpillar foodplant for some types of moth, including the double square-spot and single-dotted wave. Its seeds are eaten by birds.
Where to plant cow parsley
Cow parsley thrives in fertile, moist but free-draining soil, and will colonise areas in full sun to partial shade. Grow cow parsley in an informal border, woodland border, cottage or wildlife garden, or as part of a meadow.
When to plant cow parsley
Sow cow parsley seed in early spring. Sow outdoors directly into warm, prepared soil where plants are to grow. Soil needs to be weed-free and lightly raked, to allow seedlings to establish.
Alternatively, sow in modules into light compost and cover with a layer of vermiculite. Pot on when seedlings are large enough to handle, and plant out in early summer.
How to care for cow parsley
Cow parsley is a low-maintenance plant if you have the right growing conditions. As a native plant, it should not require additional watering or any added fertiliser. It will spread easily, so you may want to keep it in check by pulling up seedlings as you spot them, or by selectively cutting back some plants before they shed their seed.
Otherwise, leave flowerheads on the plant as long as possible and cut back at the end of the summer.
How to propagate cow parsley
Cow parsley self-seeds readily, but if you want to have control over where it grows, you can save seed to sow in spring. Simply wait for the flowers to go over, and then select a few plants to collect seeds from. Place a paper bag over the flowerhead, tying it closed with twine. Then cut back the plant and hang it upside down in a shed to dry. Then you can shake the tiny seeds into the bag, ready to store for sowing the following spring.
Pests and diseases
Cow parsley is not affected by any pests or diseases.
Cow parsley varieties to try
Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing' – this pretty form of common cow parsley has dark purple stems and lacy foliage, which contrast with white flowerheads. Bear in mind that ‘Ravenswing’ does not come true from seed, so always buy fresh seeds.
Frequently asked questions
Is cow parsley edible for humans?
Cow parsley is edible to humans: the fresh leaves can be used as a pot herb and as a substitute for chervil. Dried leaves can be used as a seasoning and sprinkled onto omlettes, stews and soups. The stems can be steamed and eaten like asparagus, and the roots can be cooked and eaten like carrots. Even the seeds can be used to add flavour to rice dishes. Bear in mind, however, that cow parsley looks very similar to hemlock (Conium maculatum), which is extremely poisonous.
Is cow parsley the same as hemlock?
No, cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) is different to hemlock (Conium maculatum) but looks very similar, so extreme care must be taken when foraging for cow parsley to eat. A few things to look out for:
- Cow parsley grows to 1.5m, hemlock grows to 2m
- Cow parsley has ridged stems, hemlock has smooth stems with significant purple markings
- Cow parsley leaves smell like parsley when crushed, hemlock has a slightly unpleasant, mousey smell
- Cow parsley flowers in April and May, hemlock flowers in June and July
Symptoms of hemlock poisoning range from vomiting to seizures and even respiratory failure, resulting in death. There’s no antidote so you must only eat cow parsley if you can absolutely guarantee you have the correct identification.
