Species Information
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Wild Chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris; syn. Chaerophyllum sylvestre)
Also known as bur chervil, cow parsley and keck.
Description
Wild chervil is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant of the parsley family. Seedlings develop into a rosette during the first year. In the second year, the plants produce hollow flower stems, usually 3-4 feet tall (can reach 6 feet). The stems are branched and covered in soft hairs, particularly near the base. The leaves are alternate, nearly hairless, and divided into smaller, fernlike leaflets. The base of each leaf surrounds the stem. Tiny, white flowers with 5 notched petals bloom from late May to early July of the second year. Individual flower stems form a small cluster. The flowers of several of these small umbels together form a larger umbel resembling an umbrella. The thick taproot of wild chervil has lateral buds at the top of the root which allow for resprouting. The taproot of mature plants may be up to 6 feet deep.
Look-alikes
There are several other weedy plants with white umbels and lacy leaves. Wild carrot (Daucus carota), or Queen Anne's lace, is a widespread grassland weed that resembles wild chervil. Queen Anne’s lace has unique curved bracts (modified leaves) at the base of each umbel and a small purple flower at the center of the umbel. Japanese and spreading hedge parsley (Torilis japonica and arvensis) and poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) are all new invaders to Wisconsin and should be reported and controlled. The leaves of the hedge parsleys are sparse and have 3 toothed leaflets; unlike the more fernlike leaves of wild chervil. Poison hemlock grows taller, up to 9.5 feet, and has stems covered with purple spots and vertical ridges.
Impacts & Habitat
The current known range includes the northeast (Maine to Virginia), the Pacific Northwest and the northern Midwest (Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin). Wild chervil will grow in a variety of soil types, but prefers rich, moist soils. It may be found along roadsides, open woods, pastures and disturbed areas. Spreading can be caused by the movement of seeds in water, by birds and by mowing equipment; as well as by lateral budding at the top of the root. This plant competes with others for light, space and nutrients and may shade out surrounding vegetation.
Control
Wild chervil is difficult to control because of its extremely deep taproot and its resistance to herbicides. Pulling up the flower stalks without removing the entire taproot can lead to resprouting. Mowing may deplete root reserves if done repeatedly before the plant forms seed. Herbicide application (clopyralid and dicamba) shortly before blooming and one month after a pre-bloom cutting has shown some success. In recent trials, metsulfuron methyl has killed chervil plants three weeks after application; 2,4-D has been ineffective.
Additional Information (Links exit DNR)
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