Wild Chervil

(Anthriscus sylvestris)

Priority: - Contain

Tags: Agricultural

Identification and Reproduction

Identification and Reproduction

Biennial, short-lived perennial
Spreads rapidly through seed and vegetative fragments such as root buds

Can grow almost two metres tall
Stems are ribbed, green, hairy on lower portion
Has white flowers in umbrella-like clusters, with bract-like leaves under flowers

Leaves are triangular, finely divided, resembling ferns, softly hairy

Tuberous roots can extend almost two metres into soil

Wild Chervil vs Poison Hemlock (Jefferson County, WA)

Habitat & Ecology

Wild chervil prefers moist, rich soils that are moderately disturbed. It is only found in open habitats. It can crowd out forages and native plants. By doing so, it will reduce wildlife habitats and biodiversity. The canopy of wild chervil will shade out other plants. It uptakes nutrients and water aggressively. Mature plants are toxic and livestock will avoid them. Wild chervil can also threaten related crops such as parsnips, carrots, parsley, celery.

Impacts

Will crowd out forage plants, displace native plants and reduce biodiversity
Can reduce wildlife habitat
Mature plants are toxic and livestock will avoid them
Can spread disease to plants like carrot, parsnips, celery which are in the same family

Management

Can be mechanically controlled if taproot can be entirely removed
Chemical control may not work as the deep taproot helps it to be resistant to low concentrations of certain herbicides. There are selective herbicides available, but only generally in large quantities
Be cautious when purchasing wildflower seed mixes, especially if they are not locally produced. These can contain seeds of Wild chervil and other invasive species.
Bag and seal any removed parts for landfill