Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Apiaceae / Umbelliferae ⟩ Aethusa cynapium / fool’s parsley

Aethusa cynapium L.

fool’s parsley (Apiaceae / Umbelliferae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
Very widespreadSlight tendencySE
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Aethusa cynapium is a plant of waste ground and the margins of arable fields.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2010-07-21

 fool’s parsley / Aethusa cynapium: _Aethusa cynapium_ is a plant of waste ground and the margins of arable fields.

The umbels of Aethusa cynapium have 3–4 branched bracteoles at the base, all pointing outwards.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2010-07-21

 fool’s parsley / Aethusa cynapium: The umbels of _Aethusa cynapium_ have 3–4 branched bracteoles at the base, all pointing outwards.

The 2–3-pinnate leaves of Aethusa cynapium are a fairly dull and dark bluish or greyish green.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2010-07-21

 fool’s parsley / Aethusa cynapium: The 2–3-pinnate leaves of _Aethusa cynapium_ are a fairly dull and dark bluish or greyish green.

Aethusa cynapium subsp. agrestis is shorter than the nominate subspecies, with pedicels shorter than the fruits. In both subspecies, the fruit is a bulgingly ridged mericarp.

Noke (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2017-08-17

 fool’s parsley / Aethusa cynapium: _Aethusa cynapium_ subsp. _agrestis_ is shorter than the nominate subspecies, with pedicels shorter than the fruits. In both subspecies, the fruit is a bulgingly ridged mericarp.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne