COW PARSLEY Anthriscus sylvestris

Gorth y Fail

Cow Parsley is a familiar and beautiful native British wildflower, bringing clouds of delicate white flowers to hedgerows, woodland edges, road verges and meadows in spring. Its frothy, umbrella-shaped flower heads create a wonderful natural display and provide an important early-season food source for pollinating insects.

Cow Parsley is a perenial and can be found in hedgerows, woodland edges, grassland, road verges and field margins.
Growing best in partial shade or full sun, preferring moist, fertile soils. It is an adaptable and vigorous plant that readily establishes itself in suitable conditions and can spread naturally by seed.

The open flower heads are rich in accessible nectar and pollen, attracting a variety of insects, including hoverflies, bees, beetles and butterflies. Hoverfly larvae can also help control aphids, making Cow Parsley a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly planting schemes.

Cow Parsley is ideal for naturalistic gardens, native hedgerows, woodland edges and wildflower areas, creating a relaxed, informal appearance. It combines beautifully with other native spring flowers and grasses, although its vigorous growth means it is best suited to areas where it has room to spread.

Flowers: April to June.

Height: Approx 90cm.

Colour: White