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Sweet Cicely leaves with characteristic marks
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The leaves of Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) also often have grey 'splashes' on them that differentiates them from hemlock.
Located in
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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
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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
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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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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Umbellifer plant
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Located in
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PLANT TOXICITY
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HEMLOCK
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Comparison of leaf stems of young hemlock and cow parsley plants
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This picture was taken in May. It shows two plants growing next to each other. The plant with the smooth, pale green, red-spotted leaf stems is hemlock (Conium maculatum). The plant with the grooved purple leaf stems is cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris).
Located in
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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
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PLANT TOXICITY
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HEMLOCK
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Umbelliferae leaves
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Located in
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PLANT TOXICITY
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HEMLOCK
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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
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PLANT TOXICITY
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HEMLOCK