Anthriscus sylvestris
ERADICATE
Family: Apiaceae (Carrot).
Other Common Names: Cow parsley.
Origin: Europe.
Growth Form/Reproduction: Biennial or short-lived perennial. Seed, or root buds at the root crown.
Legal Status: None.
Impacts:
Agricultural: Invades pastures and hayfields reducing forage available for grazing animals; causes molding in hay crops. Can be a host for a virus that attacks carrot, celery and parsnip crops.
Ecological: Can form dense stands that compete with native vegetation in moist meadows and riparian areas.
Human: Used as in wildflower mixes. No known impacts.
Habitat: Semi-shade to open sun on wet to moist disturbed sites, especially on rich soils. Grows in fields, riparian areas, along forest margins, roadsides, fencelines, ditches, and pastures.
Status and Distribution: Rare in southwestern BC. Limited in Capital, Cowichan Valley, and Comox Valley Regional Districts. This species is spreading in the Fraser Valley.
Management Strategy: Seedlings and rosettes can be hand-pulled. Mature plants can be excavated but all of taproot must be removed to prevent re-sprouting. Cutting and herbicides generally are ineffective.