Fool's Parsley
Aethusa cynapium
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Aethusa cynapium is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1.2
Where it is found
Grows in waste places and is also a common weed of cultivated ground but rarer in the north of Britain.
Most of Europe, including Britain, to the Caucasus and south to Algeria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - raw or cooked. It is very inadvisable to eat this plant, see the notes above on toxicity.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Although fairly toxic, fool's parsley has occasionally been used in folk medicine. The herb is sedative and stomachic. It has been used in the treatment of gastro-intestinal problems, especially in children, and also to treat convulsions and summer diarrhoea. Extreme caution in the use of this herb is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Anticonvulsant: used to control (prevent) seizures (convulsions)
Antidiarrhoeal: Provides symptomatic relief for diarrhoea. Also see Astringent.
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
We have no details for this species, see its native habitat above for ideas on its cultivation needs. All parts of the plant have an unpleasant smell reminiscent of hemlock (Conium maculatum).
Propagating it: Seed - we have no details on this species but suggest sowing the seed in situ as soon as it is ripe or in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
The entire plant is poisonous though less so than Conium maculatum (q.v.). Small amounts can cause pain, confusion of vision and vomiting. The dried plant might be safe to eat.