Appearance

Torilis japonica is a biennial herb that grows 2-4 ft. (0.6-1.2 m) tall when flowering.

Foliage

First-year rosettes are low, parsley-like and green into fall. The stem leaves are alternate, fern-like, 2-5 in. (5.1-12.7 cm) long and slightly hairy.

Flowers

Flowers are tiny, white, 5-petaled and clustered in small, flat-topped umbels. Flowering occurs from June to September.

Fruit

The fruit are small, cylindrical and covered with hooked hairs that attach to clothing or fur.

Ecological Threat

Torilis japonica threatens woodlands and savannas. Spreading hedge parsley (Torilis arvensis) is very similar and invasive.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• City of Ann Arbor Michigan Parks and Recreation
• Hoffman, R. & K. Kearns, Eds. 1997. Wisconsin manual of control recommendations for ecologically invasive plants. Wisconsin Dept. Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources. Madison, Wisconsin. 102pp.
• Indiana Invasive Species Council - Invasive Plant List
• Kentucky Exotic Pest Plant Council - Moderate Threat
• Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program Tracked Species List
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
• Wisconsin's Invasive species rule – NR 40

References