Plant Family
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Black swallowtail butterfly larvae feeding on curly leaf parsley |
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Second year parsley plant flowers. |
Carrot or Parsley Family (Apiaceae / Umbelliferae)
Common Names
Parsley
Description
Parsley is a biennial herb native to the Mediterranean region.First year plants are leafy and grow to about 1 to 2 feet tall. The second year flower stalk can reach 3 feet in height. Umbel type greenish white flowers bloom in early summer.
The two most popular types of parsley are flat leaf or Italian parsley (Petroselinium neapolitanum) and curly leaf parsley (Petroselinium crispum).
Plant parsley in full sun in well drained soils. Parsley can be grown in USDA Zones 4 through 9 and is often planted as an annual in colder regions.
Both leaves and seed are edible. Leave some plants to flower the second year and watch for pollinators. If desired, cut off flower heads or remove the entire plant to avoid reseeding in the garden.
Attracts
Bees
Black swallowtail butterfly larvae
Parsley also attracts beneficial predatory wasps and flies that feed on insect pests.
Additional Resources:
Northeast
Pennsylvania - Parsley
Midwest
Minnesota - Parsley
Nebraska- Growing Parsley
Southeast
Florida - Parsley - More than a Decorative Green Leaf
