Species

Anthriscus cerefolium

Etymology

Anthriscus: A Greek name for a similar culinary plant described by Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD)

Common Name(s)

Chervil, garden chervil

Authority

Anthriscus cerefolium (L.) Hoffm.

Family

Apiaceae

Brief Description

Annual or biennial herb with soft, bipinnate leaves; when crushed, have aniseed aroma. Stems to 700 mm tall; flowers in umbels, white; fruit of 2 mericarps that mostly remain joined when ripe

Flora Category

Vascular - Exotic

Structural Class

Dicotyledonous Herbs other than Composites

Synonyms

Chaerophylum sativum.

Habitat

Gardens, adjoining waste areas

Similar Taxa

Anthriscus caucalis has fruits covered in fine hooks. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) has flowers with unequal petals around the outer edges of the umbels. The very poisonous Hemlock (Conium maculatum) has purple streaks on the stems and has an offensive odour (not an aniseed aroma).

Flower Colours

White

Propagation Technique

seed

Year Naturalised

First record 2019

Reason for Introduction

Culinary

This page last updated on 23 Oct 2019