{{Taxobox | color = lightgreen | name = Cow Parsley | image = Anthriscus sylvestris Fluitenkruidbloemen.jpg | image_width = 250px | regnum = Plantae | divisio = Magnoliophyta | classis = Magnoliopsida | ordo = Apiales | familia = Apiaceae | genus = ''Anthriscus'' | species = '''''A. sylvestris''''' | binomial = ''Anthriscus sylvestris'' | binomial_authority = Hoffm. }} '''Cow Parsley''' (''Anthriscus sylvestris''; also known as Wild Chervil, Wild Beaked Parsley, and Keck) is a Herbaceous biennial or short-lived Perennial_plant in the family Apiaceae, genus ''Anthriscus''. It is native to Europe, western Asia and northwestern Africa; in the south of its range in the Mediterranean_region, it is limited to higher altitudes. It is related to other diverse members of Apiaceae such as Parsley, Carrot, hemlock and Hogweed. Image:Koeh-162.jpg The hollow stem grows to a height of between 60-170 cm, branching to umbrals of small white flowers. Flowering time is mid-spring to early summer. The tripinnate leaves are 15-30 cm long and have a triangular form. The Leaflets are ovate and subdivided. Cow Parsley grows in sunny to semi-shaded locations in Meadows and at the edges of hedgerows and woodland. It is a particularly common sight by the roadside. It is sufficiently common and fast-growing to be considered a nuisance Weed in gardens.
===Uses=== '''''Warning:''' Cow Parsley can be mistaken for the similar-looking Poison_hemlock and Fool's_parsley. Do not rely on Wikipedia alone when identifying plants for consumption.'' Cow Parsley is considered to be edible, though having a somewhat unpleasant flavour, sharper than Garden Chervil, with a hint of Carrot. Cow Parsley is rumoured to be a natural Mosquito repellent when applied directly to the skin. There has been no conclusive evidence to confirm this. == References == *Natural History Museum *Plants For A Future {{Commons|Anthriscus sylvestris}} Category:Apiaceae Category:Herbs Category:Flora_of_Europe Category:Flora_of_Estonia Category:Flora_of_the_United_Kingdom Cs:Kerblík_lesní De:Wiesen-Kerbel Et:Mets-harakputk Fr:Anthrisque_sauvage Lt:Builis_(augalas) Nl:Fluitenkruid Fi:Koiranputki Sv:Hundkäx