Wild chervil is a white-flowered plant introduced from Europe. It is thought to have arrived to North America through "wildflower" seed mixes. Although visually similar to wild carrot and parsnip, it is a different species.
Wild Chervil © Wisconsin First Detector Network
Wild Chervil © jp-sullivan.
What: Wild chervil has fern-like leaves, but not as delicate and lacy as Queen Anne’s Lace (wild carrot). Large umbels of up to 15 rays. The flower is white with 5 petals, and blooms May – June.
Where: Fields, meadows, roadsides, and other disturbed habitat. Wildly spread along interstates.
Management:
CAUTION! This plant contains toxins that may cause minor skin irritation.
• A very deep tap root makes removal of full mature individuals difficult.
• When first noticed in a field, cut the flower head off periodically with scissors to prevent seeding. If an invasion becomes too severe, hay early and frequently for several years until beat back.
Wild Chervil © Elizabeth Lucy.
Wild Chervil distribution in North American © EDDMaps
