22nd April 2025

Cow Parsley

Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) in the churchyard. It is one of many umbelliferous plants that grow in the UK. As a nectar source, it attracts a range of invertebrates and is an important plant of hedgerow banks and other shady places. Cow Parsley is often confused with other umbellifers like Alexanders (below).

Alexanders

Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum). Also known as Horse Parsley, all parts of Alexanders are edible. It was introduced from southern Europe by the Romans as a good source of early green nutrition. It is now a very common umbellifer, particularly around the coastal fringes. As with Cow Parsley, it is very attractive to invertebrates.