Japanese Hedge Parsley Torilis japonica

Other common names: Erect Hedge Parsley, Upright Hedge Parsley Other scientific names: Caucalis anthriscus, Caucalis japonica, Torilis anthriscus Family: Parsley Family (Apiaceae) Similar species:   •   Spreading Hedge Parsley (Torilis arvensis) - lacks the pointed bracts at the base of each umbel.   •   Bulb-bearing Water Hemlock (Cicuta bulbifera) - Grows in wet areas; leaves are fine and very narrow.   •   Wild Carrot (Daucus carota) - Smells like carrot; flowers are in one large usually flat-topped dense umbel.   •   Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) - leaves are not as delicate; flower umbel denser. Flowers: Summer;  White;  5 parts (petals);  Two or more pointed bracts at the base of each umbel. Leaves: Alternate, Compound, Toothed;  Pinnately divided, 2 to 5" long; sometimes slightly downy. Height: Up to 1 m (3 ft) Stem: Ridged. Fruit/Seeds: Covered with velcro-like hairs which stick to clothing and fur, thus dispersing the seed. Habitat: Fields and Open Areas Lifespan: Annual.   Native/Non-native: Non-native Status: Very invasive alien; common. Notes: If you spot this plant just starting to grow in an area, remove it at once! If left to itself it may take over the area entirely. Origin and Meaning of Names:  Scientific Name: japonica: of Japan, Japanese Photographs: 74 photographs available, of which 10 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS. Range Map is at the bottom of the page