Anthriscus sylvestris

Cow parsley

Anthriscus sylvestris, commonly known as cow parsley, is a delicate biennial herb characterized by its lace-like white umbels. Often found in hedgerows and woodlands, this plant holds significant ecological value. While primarily ornamental, its historical use in traditional herbalism highlights its presence in various folk medicinal practices.

  • Scientific name: Anthriscus sylvestris
  • Family: Apiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Apiales, it is classified under the family Apiaceae. Its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Anthriscus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Apiales WCVP
Family Apiaceae WCVP
Genus Anthriscus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Anthriscus sylvestris, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Chinese, it is called 峨参 (zh-hans), 峨參 (zh-hant), or 峨參 (zh-hk). In Poland, it is commonly known as Trybula leśna (pl), while in French-speaking areas, it is identified as Cerfeuil sauvage (fr).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 峨参 Wikidata
zh-hant 峨參 Wikidata
zh-hk 峨參 Wikidata
pl Trybula leśna Wikidata
fr Cerfeuil sauvage Wikidata
ko 전호 Wikidata
hu erdei turbolya Wikidata
et mets-harakputk Wikidata
de Wiesen-Kerbel Wikidata
ja シャク Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several key regions within Northern Europe. Its distribution specifically includes the coastal and inland areas of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, the species can be found inhabiting the Faroe Islands and Iceland. It also maintains a notable presence throughout the various territories of Great Britain. Together, these locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in northern maritime and continental climates.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as cow parsley, possesses a complex structure where the medicinal properties can be found in different stages of its development. The underground portion consists of a sturdy root system, often characterized by a thick, fleshy root that anchors the plant firmly in the soil. These roots, along with the entire root structure, serve as the foundational part of the organism, absorbing essential nutrients and water necessary to support its delicate, lace-like foliage and white umbels.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Anthriscus sylvestris has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include deoxypodophyllotoxin, Anthricin, bursehernin, falcarindiol, fatty acids.

Total chemicals
8
Scientific sources
11

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
deoxypodophyllotoxin 4 ★★☆☆☆
Anthricin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bursehernin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
falcarindiol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fatty acids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
morelensin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
steroids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Anthriscus sylvestris has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antioxidant, Antitussive, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antitussive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Anthriscus sylvestris has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include asthma, cough.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
asthma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cough 1 ★☆☆☆☆