![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/1tAjQ2i44hYA591GalG7Kw/ef41483b5f515cb35773f6892252efc5/fools-parsley.jpg?fm=webp&w=1080&q=85)
Fool's parsley
Aethusa cynapium
Importance
Common and widely distributed except in the north of England and Scotland, where it is local.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/6S5el3TtGsNtVxGwHBUq5e/e46711b620a8494d1868ac2801ab4e75/fools-parsley.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
1. Annual to biennial with an unpleasant smell, this plant is poisonous and erect. Its stem is hollow and branched. Leaves are two to three fingered. Flowers July - August. © Alamy Ltd.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/6XDQYQkzctkGUF2CcJ7qDA/6680353752b280d4cb673e3299f70ba8/fools_parsley_01.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
2. Cotyledons gradually narrow into a longer stalk.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/77LWRZIQGcnAUQxxE23D8c/89d2d0f313268d83313a79a3d6e51697/fools_parsley_02.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
3. First leaves are deeply divided into three lobes, each with two to three deep indentations.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/1h0qvud54Zy9GzLekPOd5R/677728ff5c36c4492f44e69e75b97e83/FieldMate_Promo_Mobile.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/3CvKagUshwoSyxEDqRj52c/bd6e3be09e808d22cf4c4c324b6d4ac7/FieldMate_Promo_Desktop.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/3CvKagUshwoSyxEDqRj52c/bd6e3be09e808d22cf4c4c324b6d4ac7/FieldMate_Promo_Desktop.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)