Rough Chervil (Chaerophyllum temulentum) is similar to Cow Parsley and Upright Hedge Parsley, but what helps to distinguish Rough Chervil from the others is by its rough and red coloured stem. Rough Chervil is very similar to appearance to Cow Parsley but it is later to flower and rarely takes over the area that it is planted in.
The stem of Rough Chervil is what helps to identify it from other similar plants. The stem of Rough Chervil is tall, rough and red in colour with purple spots. The leaves are usually 2 – 3 on a stem, toothed and dark green in colour, eventually turning purple. The Flowers are typically white and reach roughly 2mm long. The flowers bloom from around May to July and are great for attracting a wide range of insects, in particular beetles an hoverflies.
Rough Chervil thrives in light shde but can also grow in full sun, but does not do well in heavy shade. It can also grow on a wide range of soils but is rarely found in damp, acidic conditions. For this plant to establish effectively, the seends require some soil disturbance for the growth to be successfull.
Height: Up to 9m
Flowering Time: May to July
Preferred Conditions: This plant favours growing in full sunlight but will also tolerate light shade and it can be found on woodland edges and verges.