Upright Hedge Parsley, Erect hedgeparsley
Torilis japonica

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Torilis japonica is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Hedges and grassy places in dry soils.

Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa, north and east Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves - cooked. Root - peeled and eaten raw. Although we have no record of the seed being edible, there is a report that it contains 16 - 21% protein and 10 - 23% fat.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The seed is anthelmintic, antifungal, antiviral, expectorant and tonic. It is used in Korea in the treatment of amnesia, pruritis, acidosis and scabies. The juice of the root is used in the treatment of indigestion.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe. It can also be sown in spring.

Best place to grow: Hedgerow;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

T. anthriscus. Caucalis anthriscus.