Giant Chervil, Rough Chervil
chaerophyllum temulum
Also known as: ["Rough Chervil","Giant Chervil"]
Overview
A tall, herbaceous perennial plant with umbels of small white flowers and deeply divided leaves, native to Europe and parts of Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Chaerophyllum |
| Botanical Name: | Chaerophyllum temulum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: woodland garden or shaded border
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive; avoid waterlogged soil.
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter; prefers loamy or humus-rich conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or overcrowded stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light conditions but prefers dappled sunlight for optimal growth.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch; ideal for shaded garden beds or woodland settings.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun; prefers shade; adjust placement based on light intensity.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates cooler conditions but avoids extreme heat.
Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain moderate temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly during active growth; avoid over-fertilization to prevent salt buildup; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.
Propagation
Methods
Division or seed propagation; division is preferred for mature plants, while seeds are suitable for new plantings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps in spring.
- Replant divisions at the same depth.
- Water well.
- Sow seeds shallowly and keep moist.
Best Time: Early spring for division; sow seeds in late winter or early spring for best germination rates.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions for seeds; division requires minimal care and normal growing conditions.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix for division; seedlings prefer a mix of peat and perlite for good aeration.
Hormone
Not necessary for division; optional for seeds to encourage faster germination.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; seeds: germination in 2–4 weeks, establishment in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, pots, seed trays, watering can.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; keep seedlings consistently moist; protect young plants from harsh conditions.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back stems to the base or just above a healthy bud; thin out crowded growth to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead or damaged growth; thin crowded areas; clean up debris around the plant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, ensuring adequate drainage holes.
Method
Remove the plant gently; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or the soil deteriorates; typically every 2–3 years for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone. Apply water slowly and deeply until it begins to drain from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth in spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter to prevent waterlogging.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf damage or dieback, especially if combined with wet soil.
Solution: Provide protection from frost; ensure well-drained soil to prevent cold-induced root rot; mulch around the base for insulation.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced vigor, especially if combined with dry soil.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; maintain consistent soil moisture; improve air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are susceptible to mild toxicity if they ingest parts of Chaerophyllum temulum. The plant's compounds can cause gastrointestinal irritation, though severe reactions are rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume parts of Chaerophyllum temulum. The toxic compounds can cause irritation to the digestive tract, leading to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicChaerophyllum temulum contains toxic compounds, primarily glucosinolates and furanocoumarins, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon contact. The physiological impact is generally mild but can be more severe in large quantities or with prolonged exposure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Chaerophyllum temulum safe to consume?
A: No, it is toxic to humans and should not be consumed.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: Is this plant suitable for beginners?
A: It has moderate care difficulty, so it may not be ideal for beginners.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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