Cow Parsley

Name: Cow Parsley

Scientific name: Anthriscus sylvestris

Category: Flowers

Nature Stars: 20

What are nature stars?

About: This hollow-stemmed tall plant grows rapidly in summer months before dying down again to low leaves. It likes shady habitats in particular, and can be found at woodland edges, on roadsides and in hedgerows.

How to identify: Look for large umbrellas of small white flowers and large, fern-like leaves. When crushed between the fingers, a strong, almost aniseed-like scent is given off.

Where: Very common, grows all over the UK and Ireland.

Fantastic fact: Also known as wild chervil.

Photograph credit: Philip Precey