Photo: Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Cow parsley: when and how to prune
Anthriscus sylvestris
Cow parsley is best pruned in June–July.
| Pruning months | June–July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | April–June |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Cow parsley: when to prune it?
Late June–July, after flowering and seed set.
Cow parsley: how to prune it?
- Mow or cut the faded stems close to the ground and remove them.
- Leave a few hollow stems standing or stack them in a pile as shelter for insects.
- After mowing the plant often regrows with fresh leaves that stay green into winter.
- For fewer seedlings, cut off the umbels as soon as they have finished flowering, before the seed turns black.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: June–July.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Wear gloves when mowing if there may be hogweed among the plants: its sap causes blisters in sunlight.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Cow parsley · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.