UK Flowers: Herbs, Shrubs, Vines & Trees
UK Flowers

UK Cow Parsley

Herb Icon Native Flower     Mildly Toxic
Image of Cow Parsley
Anthriscus sylvestris
Family: Apiaceae

Flower Properties

Property Value
English Name Cow Parsley
Scientific Name Anthriscus sylvestris
MainColor White
PlantType Herb Icon Herb
Distribution Native Flower Native
Season Found April (Apr - Jun)
ImageUrl Anthriscus-001
Photographer DP
Location Found Abbots Langley
Country Found UK
Last Updated 06 September 2026
Photo Quality A

Flower Details

Description

Cow Parsley is a tall, herbaceous biennial plant with hollow, ribbed stems and finely divided, feathery leaves. It produces large umbels of small white flowers, typically blooming in late spring. It is often found in hedgerows, woodland edges, and roadside verges.

Distribution

Native to Europe and western Asia, Cow Parsley is widespread across the UK and has been introduced to North America.

Medicinal/Other Uses

— No significant medicinal uses.

Edibility

Caution Advised - resembles other highly toxic plants and should not be consumed unless positively identified.

Human Toxicity Mildly Toxic
Mildly Toxic Mildly_Toxic

Mildly Toxic - ingestion of large quantities may cause stomach upset.

Pet Toxicity Pet Toxicity

Mildly Toxic to dogs and cats - ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal distress.

Active Compounds

None known.

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