Apiaceae: the Carrot Family
I always think that the flowers resemble upside-down umbrellas. This flower shape, the umbel, is a common feature of this family. A good example is the Cow Parsley that we see growing on roadsides in late spring and Hogweed along our rivers and streams.
Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder
Apiaceae: the Carrot Family
If you have allowed carrots, celery or parsnips run to flower in your vegetable plot, or have seen the swathe of white in fields during May, then you will recognise this family of plants. UNLIKE YOUR VEGETABLES, SOME OF THESE ARE POISONOUS, SO PLEASE LOOK BUT DON'T TOUCH.
Anthriscus sylvestris
Cow Parsley, Queen Anne's Lace.
Hairy. Fern-like leaves and hollow stems. Plant 1.5 metres high.
About
Common, spreads easily but a field or verge in May looks spectacular with these plants. Alive with insects, including the beautiful Marmalade Hoverfly. She is an aphid predator and a great friend.
ARE YOU SURE? A mistake with umbellifer identification could be your last. Hemlock and Hemlock Water Dropwort are similar at first glance to Cow Parsley. Admire the plant and the life feeding on it - don't pick it.
RETURN TO LIST
Heracleum sphondylium
Hogweed, Devil's Tobacco.
Hairy. Flowers pig-scented! Hollow stems. 1.8 metres high.
About
Common, spreads easily and seen beside footpaths - this one, a pink form, was beside the Hogsmill. Great nectar plant for a variety of insects and the frosted winter seed heads are very pretty.
ARE YOU SURE? MISTAKES CAN BE FATAL! Apparently a favourite with foragers but PLEASE don't pick it. Admire instead this creature, known as the "Hogweed Bonker" - Rhygonycha fulva - a wonderful pollinator who uses the flower heads as a love nest.
RETURN TO LIST
Oenanthe crocata
Hemlock Water Dropwort, Water Hemlock, Dead Mans Fingers, Dead Tongue.
Hairless leaves and stems. Plant 1.5 metres high.
About
Highly attractive flowers, popular with hoverfly, bees and if you are fortunate, the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly. Found around water courses in the borough. Recognised by the ridges in the stem and a parsley-like smell when disturbed. DEADLY: ADMIRE FROM A DISTANCE.
Ridges in the stems, sometimes twisted in a slight spiral pattern as they go up toward the flower head. Fat, light brown roots can sometimes be exposed on the bank, so be careful when walking your dog.
RETURN TO LISTMore information
SURREY'S WILDFLOWERING PROJECT is a community-led initiative, aiming to build a partnership that enables wildflowering in the county as well as promoting and celebrating the boroughs/districts diverse environments. Do take the time to find out more about the project and if you can get involved, even in a small way, you will make a difference.
THE SCC BLUE CAMPAIGN© The Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder. I'm out and about but you can get in touch via Cuddington Online Facebook 