Description
Anthriscus
There are about 12 species of annuals, biennials, and perennials from grassland, wasteland and light woodland in temperate regions of Europe and Asia, in this genus. They produce mid to light green 2 or 3 pinnate finely divided leaves. They bear tiny white or greenish flowers in umbels 2-3” wide followed by small dry fruits that are narrow with a terminal ‘beak’. Common Chervil has many culinary uses. Cow parsley is an attractive meadow plant. Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Revenswing’ provides a good contrast with dark foliage in a herbaceous border.
Grow in any well-drained tilled soil, in sun or partial shade. May become invasive.
Prone powdery mildew, slugs, snail and caterpillars damage.
Anthriscus cerefolium – Common Chervil – Chervil – This erect annual grows 24” tall and 10” wide and derives from Europe and Western Asia. It resembles parsley with 2 or 3 pinnate anis scented light green leaves, 1 ¼-2” long with hairy undersides composed of egg shaped toothed or pinnatifid leaflets. In mid summer it bears umbels of white flowers. Used in French cooking to give a delicate licorice flavor.
Zones 6-10
