Anthriscus Ravenswing

Description

Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ – dark cow parsley

Botanical name: Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’
Common names: Dark cow parsley
Family: Apiaceae (carrot family)
Plant type: Short-lived perennial
Habit: Upright, airy, branching
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 75–90cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Finely divided, ferny, deep purple-black foliage
Flowers: Airy, flat umbels of tiny white flowers on dark stems in late spring to early summer (May–June)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Most soils; moist but well-drained; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 5–8
Exposure: Sheltered or open
Native range: Selected form; the species (cow parsley) is native to Europe including the UK
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic, but the sap may cause skin irritation and sensitivity to sunlight in some people; handle with care

Anthriscus ‘Ravenswing’ is a striking dark-leaved cow parsley with ferny purple-black foliage and airy white flower umbels in late spring. Dramatic and naturalistic, it is superb for contrast and pollinators.

GardenAdvice notes

A beautiful dark-leaved form of our native cow parsley, ‘Ravenswing’ combines finely divided, deep purple-black ferny foliage with airy, flat umbels of tiny white flowers on dark stems in late spring — the white froth all the more striking against the near-black leaves. Short-lived but self-seeding (largely coming true to the dark colour), it is superb for contrast and a naturalistic, meadow-like feel, and its flowers are a magnet for beneficial insects.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in most soils in full sun to partial shade — the dark foliage colour is best in good light. Give it a naturalistic border, cottage garden or woodland edge to weave through. Space about 45cm apart. Water while establishing.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. It is short-lived, usually persisting a few years, but self-seeds to keep itself going — leave some seedheads to sustain it, or remove them to limit spread. Seedlings mostly come dark, but remove any green-leaved ones to keep the colour strong. Cut back after flowering or seeding. Wear gloves when handling.

Propagation

• Seed: Sow fresh seed, or allow it to self-seed; most seedlings come true to the dark foliage.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Aphids can occasionally cluster on the soft growth. Otherwise easy in most soils.

Uses in the garden

Superb for dark foliage contrast in cottage, mixed and naturalistic borders and wildlife gardens, weaving through other plants for a meadow-like effect, with its white flowers glowing against the near-black leaves.

Wildlife value

The airy flower umbels are excellent for wildlife, providing accessible nectar and pollen for bees, hoverflies and many beneficial insects.

Toxicity & safety

Dark cow parsley is generally regarded as non-toxic, but as with other members of the carrot family, its sap may cause skin irritation and sensitivity to sunlight in some people. Wear gloves and cover up when handling or cutting it, especially in bright weather.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Ravenswing’ is a wonderful thing for a naturalistic or cottage border — that froth of white flowers over near-black ferny foliage is beautiful, and it weaves through other plants for a lovely meadow feel. It’s short-lived but self-seeds to keep going; just remove any plain green seedlings to keep the dark colour true, and wear gloves when handling, as the sap can react in sunlight.

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