Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley)

Adding a delicate airiness to the landscape, Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) is a robust short-lived perennial with abundant and elegant, lacy umbels of frothy white flowers floating atop mounds of fresh green, sharply-cut, pinnate leaves. Often turning purple with age, the flowers gracefully mingle with other plants, adding unmatched elegance. Blooming over a long flowering period, from mid-spring until early summer, Anthriscus sylvestris is easy to grow, requires very little care, and is ideal for moist or shaded fertile soils.

• Vigorously growing up to 3-5 ft. high (90-150 cm) and spreading up to 2-3 ft. (60-90 cm), Cow Parsley is an ideal addition to 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.
• 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 autumn or spring
• 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.