Cow Parsley
Anthriscus sylvestris

© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio     Cow Parsley, photographed on 28th April 2008.

Sometimes known as "Queen Anne's Lace" or "Wild Chervil" this is the dominant plant in April and May over much of the northern half of the Trail I often hear it called "Hedge Parsley" which is a smaller and less common plant, although the two do look similar. Both are in the umbellifer family, the same family as carrot and coriander. There are many other plants in this family that look similar and some are deadly poisonous, so even though it's called parsley it's best to avoid eating it. Some species contain toxins which will even burn the skin on contact.