Anthriscus sylvestris, better known as cow parsley, and sometimes as Queen Anne’s lace, is very much in vogue. A common native plant, the light, airy umbelliferous heads of tiny white flowers that appear in early summer are a favourite choice for naturalistic planting schemes.

Advertisement

Also good for attracting insects, anthriscus looks wonderful planted in large drifts through other perennials. In the wild, it commonly crops up by roadsides, meadows and woodland edges, growing wild among grasses. You need space to accommodate and experiment with these graceful plants, but, easily grown from seed, it is worth having a go.

Take a look at our handy anthriscus Grow Guide.


A swathe of purple-stemmed cow parsley 'Ravenswing' underplanting a cherry tree
A swathe of purple-stemmed cow parsley 'Ravenswing' underplanting a cherry tree

Where to plant cow parsley

Anthriscus sylvestris thrives in fertile, moist, but free-draining soil and will colonise areas that are in full sun or dappled shade. Grow Anthriscus sylvestris in an informal border, cottage or wildlife garden, or as part of a meadow.

Cow parsley's umbelliferous head of tiny white flowers
Cow parsley's umbelliferous head of tiny white flowers

How to plant cow parsley

Sow Anthriscus sylvestris from 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.

More like this

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.

Purple stems, burgundy buds and pink-white flowers of cow parsley 'Ravenswing'
Purple stems, burgundy buds and pink-white flowers of cow parsley 'Ravenswing'

How to look after cow parsley

Anthriscus sylvestris 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.

Watch Monty Don talk about using cow parsley and other umbellifers in his garden.

Collecting cow parsley seed in a paper bag
Collecting cow parsley seed in a paper bag

Propagation of cow parsley

An annual plant, Anthriscus sylvestris will self-seed readily. If you want to ensure continuity, make sure you save some seed. When the flowerheads have gone over, 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 next spring.

Cow parsley: problem solving

Anthriscus sylvestris is not affected by any pests or diseases.

Advertisement
Purple-stemmed cow parsley 'Ravenswing' planted along a grey stone wall
Purple-stemmed cow parsley 'Ravenswing' planted along a grey stone wall

Anthriscus varieties to try

Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing' - a pretty form of common cow parsley, with dark purple stems and lacy foliage contrasting with the white flowerheads. It can also be used in cut flower arrangements. ‘Ravenswing’ does not come true from seed, so always buy fresh seeds.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement