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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Edible leaves - raw in salads or used as a flavouring in cooked foods such as soups and stews[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. A mild aromatic flavour[9] that is suggestive of aniseed[10]. The leaves are often used as a flavouring, they form the basis of the seasoning 'fines herbes'[11] and are an essential ingredient of 'bouquet garni'[8]. The leaves should always be used fresh because the delicate flavour does not withstand drying or prolonged cooking[10][8]. The leaves are ready for harvesting in about 8 weeks from sowing, the plant responds well to cut and come again harvesting[11].

The flowers are used as a seasoning[9].

The root is said to be edible[12][9].

Unknown part

Leaves

Material uses

The growing plant is said to repel slugs[10].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Chervil is not widely used as a medicinal herb, though it is sometimes employed as a 'spring tonic' for cleansing the liver and kidneys, is a good remedy for settling the digestion and is said to be of value in treating poor memory and mental depression[10][8][13]. The fresh plant, harvested just before flowering, is digestive, diuretic, expectorant, poultice and stimulant[14][3][15]. The juice is used in the treatment of dropsy, arthritis and chronic skin ailments[14]. The bruised leaves are used as a poultice for slow-healing wounds[14] and a warm poultice is applied to painful joints[16]. An infusion of the fresh leaves is also used as an eyewash to treat sore or inflamed eyes[8].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow in situ in succession from February to October. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks[11]. The February, September and October sowings should be made in a very sheltered warm and sunny position outdoors or under some protection such as a frame. Other sowings can be made in a position that has at least some shade from the midday sun since the plant runs to seed quickly if it gets too hot or the soil is dry[10]. The seed only remains viable for about a year[10].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Anthriscus cerefolium. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a well-drained moisture retentive soil[11]. Plants dislike hot dry summers[11], it is best to give summer crops a cool shady position but winter crops require a sunny position[2][17][18][19]. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.8 to 7.6.

Plants are hardy to about -10°c[11]. Chervil is occasionally cultivated as a salad plant, especially in France[16]. There are some named varieties[9]. It can supply fresh leaves all year round from successional sowings, especially if given some protection in winter[10]. Although a biennial, it is usually cultivated as an annual[10]. It often self-sows when grown in a suitable position[17][11]. Be careful if harvesting this plant from the wild because it is superficially similar to some poisonous species such as young plants of hemlock, Conium maculatum[8].

Chervil is an aromatic plant with pleasantly scented leaves[20]. It is said to be a good companion plant for growing with carrots and radishes[17][15], the radishes becoming hotter and crisper[15]. It also grows well with dill and coriander[15]. When grown with lettuces it is said to protect them from aphids and ants, the plant is also said to repel slugs[10].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Anthriscus cerefolium. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Anthriscus cerefolium.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Anthriscus cerefolium
Genus
Anthriscus
Family
Umbelliferae
Imported References
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
7
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
permanent shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    "image:Anthriscus cerefolium Kervel bloeiwijze.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.2 Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (1979-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Vilmorin. A. The Vegetable Garden. Ten Speed Press ISBN 0-89815-041-8 ()
    5. ? 5.05.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Polunin. O. Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. Oxford University Press ISBN 0192176218 (1969-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.48.58.68.7 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.4 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    10. ? 10.0010.0110.0210.0310.0410.0510.0610.0710.0810.0910.1010.11 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.111.211.311.411.511.611.711.8 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.1 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.1 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.114.214.3 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.115.215.315.4 Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-304-34324-2 (1993-00-00)
    16. ? 16.016.116.2 Stuart. M. (Editor) The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism Orbis Publishing. London. ISBN 0-85613-067-2 (1979-00-00)
    17. ? 17.017.117.2 Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (1979-00-00)
    18. ? Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. (1878-00-00)
    19. ? Larkcom. J. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn (1980-00-00)
    20. ? Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)

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