Plant ID (parsley etc)

R

Redequus

Well-Known Member
Joined
23 January 2013
Messages
91
Visit site
I'm trying to ID a plant which I think is cow parsley or fools parsley, but got confused with the most informative description I read...which said in one paragraph that when crushed, the stem smells of mouse pee, and in the next said it smells sweet! :/

So, the plant is just coming up now (i.e. this month), has carrot-like leaves but isn't wild carrot. The stems are mildly purpley (NOT like hemlock is) at the bottoms and when crushed it has no distinctive smell at all.
Grows in hedgerows and I've no idea if horses find it palatable - as mine will eat anything I haven't let her have a sniff!

Can any botanists please help me with a simple identification method for these similar-looking beasts, cos google just baffles me, lol!
 
Tried it, but can't narrow it down enough cos (a) it hasn't flowered yet, and (b) I can't descibe the leaves properly with their options, lol!
 
The cow parsley has come through in my field and is about 4 inches high. yes it does look a bit like a carrot top. Hemlock is a lot flatter and wider and I have a few bits of that too. The Hemlock in my field is not as advanced and doesnt have the fine frills like a carrot top (its more like a sycamore leaf and can get quite big and is a bit hairier). Horses love cow parsley and most will eat only the good plants unless they are starving. I usually spot spray ie hemlock now as its cheaper and doesnt waste so many chemicals plus it keeps all the natural herbs around. Good luck no pics to post.
 
Hemlock's easy cos it has the purple blotches, but my horse will eat it! :o
No pics sorry - the bits I picked are well wilted now, lol, I'll get a couple in the morning :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top