Wild Chervil
Anthriscus sylvestris
Washington State Classification
Class B — Control Required (Designated)
Wild chervil is highly adaptable and will grow in almost any type of soil.
Required control in Region 1 (all western Washington counties)
Quick Reference
Identification
Growth Habit
Wild chervil is an upright biennial or short lived perennial. It can reach a height of 1 to 3 feet.
Leaves
Leaves are finely divided, fern like and slightly hairy. Plants have basal and stem leaves, stem leaves that reduce in size up the stem.
Flowers
Flowers in umbels, up to 3.1 inches wide, flower stalks originating from one point. Flowers are small and white and bloom from April to May.
Fruit & Seeds
Fruits are black, elongated oval shape and about 0.2 inches long.
Impact
Wild chervil is highly adaptable and will grow in almost any type of soil. It has an aggressive growth habit which quickly creates monocultures. It poses a serious threat to native plants and agriculture.
Ecology & Spread
Habitat
Wild chervil is found along roadsides, pastures, forest edges, and in waste areas. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of wild chervil in Washington.
Spread Mechanisms
Reproduction
Wild chervil reproduces by seed.
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