Chervil
Anthriscus cerefolium
Botanical family: Apiaceae
Anthriscus cerefolium, an annual Apiaceae grown for its finely divided leaves with an aniseed taste. Sown in place, in light shade, in spring and again at the end of summer: it dislikes hot, dry summers. Sources: Tela Botanica, “Anthriscus cerefolium (L.) Hoffm.” (Coste's flora); Plants For A Future, “Anthriscus cerefolium”.
Partial shade (it bolts quickly in sun and heat)
Cool, light, humus-rich
Regular, dry soil makes it bolt to seed
Hardy annual, self-seeds on its own
Sown in autumn, overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
One of the classic 'fines herbes', with very fast growth (harvest in 6 to 8 weeks) and a delicate aniseed flavour. It likes partial shade and coolness, slips in at the foot of taller vegetables, and self-seeds on its own. Left to flower, its white umbels attract hoverflies and small helpers. A good occupant of the cool, shaded corners of the vegetable garden.
Good companions
Seasons & availability
A fast-growing herb: sown in light shade, picked from spring to autumn.
Available: April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- RHS, « How to Grow Chervil » (rhs.org.uk/herbs/chervil/grow-your-own)
- La Ferme de Sainte Marthe, « Réussir la culture du cerfeuil commun et frisé » (fermedesaintemarthe.com/en/blogs/comment-reussir-la-culture-de/reussir-la-culture-du-cerfeuil-commun-et-frise)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Like all wild Apiaceae, it can be confused with toxic species (fool's parsley, rough chervil). Garden chervil is therefore grown from seed; never eat an umbellifer picked in the wild without certainty of identification.
Family behaviour: Apiaceae
In general, Apiaceae are umbel plants (carrot, parsley, celery, coriander, dill) whose flowers attract precious beneficials: hoverflies, ichneumons, parasitoids. Fairly easy to pair, except fennel, they are useful along edges to feed beneficials.
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Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.