type : Annuals, Perennials, Biennials
sun exposure : Varies by Species
water : Regular Water
Plant Details
Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Though both of these plants produce many umbrella-shaped clusters of tiny flowers, they are valued for their fernlike foliage. In the first species, the leaves are used in cooking; in the second, the foliage brings deep, striking color to the perennial border.
chervil
anthriscus cerefolium
- Annual.
- Zones US, MS, LS, CS, TS; USDA 6-11.
- Low foliage mounds about a foot wide; 1- to 2 feet flower stems topped with white blossoms in summer.
- The leaves have a parsleylike flavor with overtones of anise.
- Use like parsley, fresh or dried.
- Sow seeds in place in early spring (in cold-winter areas) or in fall (where winters are mild).
- In the following years, volunteer seedlings will keep you supplied with new plants.
- Goes to seed quickly in hot weather; keep flower clusters cut to encourage leafy growth.
- Partial shade.
anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing
- Perennial or biennial.
- Zones US, MS; USDA 6-7.
- Very attractive purple-black foliage in clump 112 feet high, 212 feet wide.
- In late spring or early summer, flowering stems to 3 feet tall bear white blossoms with purplish pink bracts.
- Deadhead for best appearance and to prevent self-sowing.
- Full sun or light shade.