How much sun does Cow-parsley need?

Cow-parsley grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Cow-parsley bloom?

Cow-parsley blooms in May and June.

What pollinators does Cow-parsley attract?

Cow-parsley draws bees, beetles, and flies.

Is Cow-parsley HOA-friendly?

Cow-parsley takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Cow-parsley

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Anthriscus sylvestris

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Cow-parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Native alternatives to Cow-parsley

Cow-parsley is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Cow-parsley is a biennial wildflower that produces delicate white umbrella-shaped flower clusters in late spring and early summer. This European native has ferny foliage and can self-seed readily in the garden, creating naturalized colonies over time.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cow-parsley takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Non-native species may be restricted
Can appear weedy and unkempt
Self-seeds aggressively and may spread beyond intended areas

Wildlife value

The flat-topped flower clusters attract a diverse array of pollinators including native bees, beneficial beetles, and flies during its May-June bloom period.

Common questions

How much sun does Cow-parsley need?: Cow-parsley grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Cow-parsley bloom?: Cow-parsley blooms in May and June.
What pollinators does Cow-parsley attract?: Cow-parsley draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Cow-parsley HOA-friendly?: Cow-parsley takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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