Appearance
Anthriscus sylvestris is an herbaceous biennial that grows up to 3.25 ft. (1 m) in height. The stems are hollow and covered in hair. Anthriscus sylvestris is native to Europe.

Foliage
The plant has alternately arranged, compound, fern-like leaves. Each segment of the leaf can measure 0.5-2 in. (1.5-5 cm) in length.

Flowers
The umbels of this plant are large, having 6-15 rays that can reach up to 1.5 in. (4 cm) in length. Each of the bractlets is lance-ovate in shape and measures 0.1-0.25 in. (3-6 mm) in length. The flowers are white and have 5 notched petals. Anthriscus sylvestris blooms from May to June.

Fruit
The fruits are smooth, lanceolate in shape and measure 0.25 in. (6 mm) long. They have a pronounced beak that measures 0.04 in. (1 mm) long. The fruits start out green and turn brown as they ripen.

Ecological Threat
Anthriscus sylvestris may be transported by vehicles, particularly those used to mow it down after it has set seed, as well as people, animals and wind. Since it is tall and grows aggressively, it may outcompete native vegetation by forming extensive stands resulting in shading of other species, and by utilizing resources more effectively. Invades Abandoned Field, Agricultural Field, Edge, Open Disturbed Area, Pasture, Yard or Garden.

Citation
Winston, R.L., Andreas, J.E., Milan, J., DesCamp, W., Randell, C.B., and M. Schwarzländer. 2014. New Invaders of the Northwest. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. FHTET-2014-12. Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/technology/pdfs/FHTET-2014-12_NW_New_Invaders.pdf
 

Resources

• Fact Sheet - Ontarios Invading Species Awareness Program
• Weed of the Week - USDA Forest Service

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Maine Invasive Plants
• Massachusetts Invasive Plants Advisory Group List
• Massachusetts Noxious Weeds
• Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List
• New Invaders of the Northwest
• New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team 2017 Invasive Species List
• New York Regulated and Prohibited Invasive Species - Prohibited
• Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program Tracked Species List
• Pacific Northwest Exotic Pest Plant Council, 1998
• Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Invasive Plants
• Washington Noxious Weeds
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
• Wisconsin's Invasive species rule – NR 40

References