Flower Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| English Name | Fool's Parsley |
| Scientific Name | Aethusa cynapium |
| MainColor | White |
| PlantType |  Herb |
| Distribution |  Naturalized |
| Season Found | September (Jun - Oct) |
| ImageUrl | Aethusa-001 |
| Photographer | DP |
| Location Found | Abbots Langley |
| Country Found | UK |
| Last Updated | 15 September 2026 |
| Photo Quality | A |
Flower Details
Description
Fool's Parsley is an annual herb that resembles true parsley, featuring finely divided, feathery leaves and small white flowers arranged in umbels. It typically grows up to 60 cm tall and emits an unpleasant odour when crushed.
Distribution
Native to Europe, Fool's Parsley is widely distributed across temperate regions and is often found in fields, gardens, and waste areas.
Medicinal/Other Uses
— No significant medicinal uses.
Edibility
Inedible - the plant is toxic and should not be consumed.
Human Toxicity
Highly_Toxic
Highly Toxic - ingestion can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.
Pet Toxicity
Highly Toxic to dogs and cats - ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and potentially fatal respiratory issues.
Active Compounds
Coniine, γ-coniceine, methylconiine.