I adore the abundant sprouting of cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) on verges, in meadows and woodlands in late spring and summer. It’s synonymous with the season and reminiscent of a happy childhood spent in nature.

Whether it’s at a busy roadside, a country lane or a woodland walk, the delicate white umbellifers take advantage of any space! However, looks can be deceiving; not all are cow parsley! There are also varieties of hedge parslies, wild carrots (and parsnips!), hogweeds and poisonous hemlock which look similar! It’s always a good idea to check a guide book. Umbellifers are characterised by their many tiny flower heads on short flower stalks, forming a sort of umbrella shape. They are an important food source for pollinators, including bees and hoverflies as the nectar is easy to access.

Hedge parslies tend to be smaller, more delicate and spindly and often shorter than cow parsley. Hogweeds have a bigger leaf, with broader fronds. Giant hogweed sap from all parts of the plant is poisonous. Common hogweed may also pose a threat as the hairs on the stem can cause skin irritation and burns. The main difference between the two in appearance is their size! Giant hogweed leaves may be 3m x 1.5m and appear more jagged than common hogweed, and stems may have purple blotches. A similar plant, which is often confused is poison hemlock, shown below (right) growing tall and sturdy, with thicker stems.

Other umbellifers and similar looking plants with collections of tiny flower heads, include wild carrot and parsnip, fennel, coriander and cumin, hedge mustard, yarrow, alexanders, shepherd’s purse and even elder!

For more information about cow parsley and other umbellifers, visit the woodland trust website. Why not get out and about this June for #30DaysWild and spot all sorts of wildflowers.

Remember, don’t pick wild flowers; they may be poisonous, they are protected and it’s best to leave them where they are to benefit other animals in eluding people!