Hairy Chervil (Chaerophyllum hirsutum)

Hairy Chervil

Chaerophyllum hirsutum

Lacy, frothy foliage adds soft texture to shaded borders. Herbaceous perennial; common name: hairy chervil.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Partial to full shade; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch the delicate foliage
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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the root zone to dry out completely
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; thrives in cool temperate conditions, avoid extreme heat above 28°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Finely divided, fern-like, hairy bright green foliage
  • Flower: Tiny white umbels with a delicate, frothy appearance
  • Stem: Slender, upright, densely hairy stems
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Care Guide

Watering

Maintain even soil moisture; apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Fertilization

Apply diluted balanced organic feed once monthly. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can cause leggy growth

Composted banana peel tea:Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestations
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower heads to prevent unwanted self-seeding
  • Cut back foliage to ground level in late autumn after dieback
  • Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental ground cover for shaded garden borders; foliage adds soft texture to woodland gardens