[The Parsley Family in Mt. Adams Country]

Burr Chervil, Chervil

Anthriscus caucalis

Synonyms: Anthriscus neglecta var. scandix, Anthriscus scandicina, Anthriscus vulgaris, Scandix anthriscus

Burr chervil spotted in bloom along the Willard Springs Trail, Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge.....May 15, 2021.

Leaf of Burr Chervil, Chervil: Anthriscus caucalis (Synonyms: Anthriscus neglecta var. scandix, Anthriscus scandicina, Anthriscus vulgaris, Scandix anthriscus)

Stem leaf of chervil from Horsethief Butte in the Columbia River Gorge..........May 5, 2001.

Burr Chervil, Chervil: Anthriscus caucalis (Synonyms: Anthriscus neglecta var. scandix, Anthriscus scandicina, Anthriscus vulgaris, Scandix anthriscus)

The photo at right is of chervil from Horsethief Butte in the Columbia River Gorge..........May 5, 2001.

Characteristics:

Chervil is a weedy species of european origin with erect branching stems (slender to stout) from 40-90 cm high. The stems are generally smooth or hairless while the leaves have some spreading hairs. The basal and stem leaves are pinnately compound with many small segments. The leaves are reduced upwards on the stems.

The inflorescence is a several rayed compound umbel. The small umbels are 3-7 flowered, each flower with a short pedicel. The fruit is ovoid and about 4 mm long. The fruit are also covered with numerous short, unarmed prickles. Chervil is an annual. It was brought to the United States as a garden herb, being prized as a salad plant. The plant self-seeds readily and has thus escaped cultivation to become established in feral places.

Habitat:

Chervil may be found in moist open places or in disturbed soils such as those found along roads or trails, or may be found around old farm buildings..

Range:

Chervil is a native of Europe which has been introduce to the eastern United States and also on the west coast from Washington to California.

Paul Slichter