Anthriscus sylvestris Ravenswing (Cow Parsley)

Elegant and eye-catching, Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing' (Cow Parsley) is a particularly decorative biennial or short-lived perennial. It boasts a rich chocolate-purple, finely cut, ferny foliage topped by abundant, lacy umbels of frothy white flowers with pink bracts. Adding a lovely airiness to the landscape, the flowers gracefully mingle with other plants, adding unmatched elegance. Blooming from late spring to early summer, 'Ravenswing' is easy to grow and requires very little care. It associates dramatically with most plants in the border and has become a favorite of many garden designers. If cut back to prevent self-seeding, a second flush of richly colored foliage will arise.

• Vigorously growing up to 2-5 ft. high (60-150 cm) and spreading up to 18-24 in. (45-60 cm), Cow Parsley is an ideal addition to beds and borders, prairie plantings, and wildflower gardens. Valued for its airy ferny foliage and delicate flowers, it makes an excellent foil for larger-flowered or bolder-leaved perennials.
• Performs best in full sun or part shade, in well-drained soils. Cow Parsley is not fussy about soil conditions, but is intolerant of very wet or very dry soils. Some drought tolerance once established if given some shade. Too much shade results in green leaves.
• Add this charming and graceful plant to the landscape, and you will be rewarded with happy butterflies, bees, and pollinating insects!
• Propagate by seed; sow seeds in a cold frame in fall or spring and select dark-leaved seedlings
• Will freely self-seed under satisfying growing conditions. Deadhead to prevent prolific self-seeding.
• Anthriscus sylvestris species is native to Eurasia. Since it grows aggressively, it may outcompete native vegetation by forming extensive stands resulting in shading of other species, and by utilizing resources more effectively.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.