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Umbellifer plant
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Located in
Media
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PLANT TOXICITY
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HEMLOCK
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Sweet Cicely main stem
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The main stem of Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is grooved, which differentiates the plant from hemlock.
Located in
Media
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Umbelliferae
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Umbelliferae are plants in the parsley or carrot family (Apiaceae). Most members are aromatic herbs with feathery leaves and white or light coloured flowers that are arranged in a conspicuous flat-topped clusters. Many of these plants are enjoyed by rabbits but identification is necessary as a few species are poisonous.
Located in
Media
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PLANT TOXICITY
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HEMLOCK
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Umbelliferae leaves
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Located in
Media
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PLANT TOXICITY
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HEMLOCK
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Cow parsley- cut leaf stem
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This picture shows a cross-section of a cut leaf stem of cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris). It shows the groove that is present. The shape is sometimes likened to a piece of celery.
Located in
Media
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PLANT TOXICITY
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HEMLOCK
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Hemlock
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Hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a biennial plant that grows in damp areas and also on drier rough grassland, roadsides, and disturbed ground. It is the plant everyone worries about picking. Hemlock looks very similar to Cow Parsley, Rough Chervil and Sweet Cicely. Close inspection of the stems shows they are different. The plant is tall. It can grow up to 2 metres high.
Located in
Media
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PLANT TOXICITY
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HEMLOCK
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Cow parsley main stems
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The main stems of cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) are very different from poison hemlock (Conium maculatum). The main stems are ridged and slightly hairy with no blotches.
Located in
Media
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Cow parsley
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Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) is a short-lived perennial. It grows in grassland, along hedges and woodland edges, road verges, railway banks and wasteland. The foliage is one of the first plants to appear in the spring and last to disappear in autumn. It is safe and palatable for rabbits but there is always a concern that the plant may be confused with hemlock (Conium maculatum)- see section on ‘Plant Toxicity’. Examination of the stems will confirm its identity as cow parsley.
Located in
Media
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Sweet Cicely leaves
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The leaves of Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) are similar to Hemlock and Cow Parsley but are a lighter, brighter green and smell strongly of aniseed when crushed. They often have grey marks on them (see separate picture).
Located in
Media
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Sweet cicely seeds
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The seeds Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) are large, dark brown, and easy to pick. They appear in late summer. Not only do the seeds help to identify the plant but some can be taken home to sow in the garden. The plant is attractive as well as providing forage.
Located in
Media
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR