• ProjectsGrassland Bird Ecology and ConservationNew England Grassland AmbassadorsWild Chervil

    Wild Chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris)

    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

    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

    Wild Chervil © Elizabeth Lucy.

    Wild Chervil distribution in North American © EDDMaps