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Petroselinum crispum Parsley (1 Page of 5) The Petroselinum crispum plant species is found in C. and S. Europe. Naturalized in Britain. It is a member of the Umbelliferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Parsley. Some home gardeners know the variety as P. hortense. Auct. P. sativum. Carum petroselinum. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Petroselinum crispum Common Name: Parsley Family: Umbelliferae Author: (Mill.)Nyman. Known Hazards: Parsley is said to contain the alleged 'psychotroph' myristicine[218].
Although perfectly safe to eat and nutritious in amounts that are given in recipes, parsley is toxic in excess, especially when used as an essential oil[238]. Mature Height: 0.6 Mature Width: 0.3 Habitat: Grassy waste places on walls and rocks[17], especially on limestone and near the coast[165].
Cultivation Notes: Prefers a moist well-drained soil in sun or partial shade[4, 16, 31, 37, 52, 200]. Prefers a good light soil that is not too light or acid[1], growing poorly in light acid soils[200].
Parsley is commonly cultivated for its edible leaves[46], there are many named varieties[183]. There are two main groups of varieties. One has flat, or plain leaves and is considered to have a stronger flavour. This group is also hardier, in part at least because the leaves can shed water easily. The other group has curly leaves which look more ornamental on the plate and have a milder flavour. Because these leaves tend to hold on to surface water they are more likely to contract fungal diseases in the winter. By moving some plants into a protected area such as a greenhouse in the winter, or by putting a frame around them, leaves can be made available all winter[200].
Parsley has a long history of use. The ancient Greeks believed that it sprang from the blood of Archemorus, the forerunner of death, and so did not eat it but used it for making wreaths to adorn the dead[244]. The Romans wore garlands of it at feasts in the belief that it would prevent intoxication[244]. They kept it away from nursing mothers, however, believing that it could cause epilepsy in the infant[244].
Parsley is superficially similar to several poisonous species, including Fool's Parsley (Aethusa cynapium)[244]. Great care should be exercised if harvesting the plant from the wild[7, 244].
A good bee plant[18, 20, 201].
A good companion plant, especially for growing near roses, tomatoes, carrots, chives and asparagus[18, 20, 54, 201], giving them all added vigour and protection against certain pests, especially carrot root fly and rose beetles[201].
For further Petroselinum crispum gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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