Aethusa cynapium (fools parsley)

Fools parsley grows wild in most of Europe, and further on to Caucasus and North Africa. The species grows up to 80 cm and has white umbel flowers. The plant is most often an annual, rarely perennial. As the name indicates, the plant looks a bit like parsley. The whole plant is poisonous, especially the seeds, and can cause burning and pain in mouth, throat, stomach and muscles as well as nausea and vomiting. Although poisonous, it has been used in folk medicine to treat problems such as diarrhea, cholera and convulsions. The species has also been used as an intellectual stimulant.

Sow the seeds in April in a broadcast tray under light conditions, approximately 20-23 °C. Sow the seeds in tray substate. Cover seeds with compost to a depth of 0.5-1 cm. When large enough to handle transplant the plants into small individual pots in pot substrate. The pots can be placed in an unheated greenhouse, or outside when risk of frost is over.

When fully rooted in the pots, plant outside in field. Position: semi-shade to sunny. The flowering time is normally in July-August and harvesting of the seeds will take place in September. This will of course vary with geographical position and weather. Always harvest in dry conditions. When harvesting, cut the umber just below the inflorescence and put in a bag.