Latin: Aethusa cynapium
Other names: Dog’s parsley, small hemlock
Family: Apiaceae
Fool’s parsley is a common weed belonging to the carrot family (Apiaceae). It is also known as dog’s parsley or small hemlock. This weed can be identified by its delicate, lacy foliage and small white flowers arranged in umbels.
Identifying Fool’s Parsley
Fool’s parsley possesses several distinct features that help distinguish it from other similar-looking plants. The leaves of fool’s parsley are finely divided and lacy, resembling parsley or ferns. They are alternate, with numerous segments that are linear to ovate in shape.
The flowers of fool’s parsley are small and white, forming umbels at the ends of the stems. The umbels consist of multiple small flower clusters, each with five petals. The flowers bloom from late spring to summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and flies.
The Challenges of Fool’s Parsley
Fool’s parsley can be a problematic weed in arable crops. One of the major challenges with fool’s parsley is its resemblance to edible herbs like parsley and cilantro. Mistaken identification and accidental consumption of fool’s parsley can have serious health consequences, as it contains toxic compounds that can cause poisoning.
Dealing with Fool’s Parsley from a herbicide perspective:
The use of pre-emergence or post-emergence herbicides can help control fool’s parsley. Proper timing of herbicide applications is crucial for effective control.
Paramount Max 17-20g/ha + Compitox Plus 1.0 l/ha + Tomahawk 2 0.4 l/ha
