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Corn Parsley

Petroselinum segetum

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Apiales
Family:
Apiaceae (Carrot)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Biennial
Maximum Size:
1 metre tall
Habitats:
Fields, gardens, grassland, hedgerows, marshes, riverbanks, roadsides, saltmarshes, seaside, walls, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
White, 5 petals
 
The small white flowers appear inside umbels. Some umbels are short-stalked. The petals are less deeply notched than the very similar looking Stone Parsley (Sison amomum). Pollinated by insects.
Fruit:
Almost globular, ridged fruits. The fruits are more markedly ridged than those of the similar looking Stone Parsley.
Leaves:
A biennial flower with 1-pinnate, coarsely toothed leaflets. Similar to Stone Parsley but with greyer green leaves are more deeply toothed leaflets.
Aroma:
Smells of parsley.
Other Names:
Corn Caraway.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Petroselinum segetum, commonly known as Corn parsley, is a species of flowering plant in the Apiaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia and North Africa, and is typically found growing in fields, along roadsides and other disturbed areas. It has small, green, and divided leaves that are used as a seasoning for a wide variety of dishes, but it's not commonly used as a culinary herb. It's also a biennial plant, but it's considered a weed and it's similar in appearance to Petroselinum crispum (parsley) but it's less flavorful. It reproduces by seed, and it's easy to grow, it can be grown from seed or from cuttings. It's also used in traditional medicine.

Blog

Corn parsley, scientifically known as Petroselinum segetum, is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is a wild plant that grows in cornfields, meadows, and dry soils across Europe, the Mediterranean region, and Western Asia. Corn parsley has been used for centuries as a medicinal and culinary herb.

Culinary uses

Corn parsley has a delicate and sweet flavor that is similar to regular parsley, but with a hint of corn-like sweetness. The leaves and stems of the plant can be used fresh or dried in various culinary dishes. It is commonly used in salads, soups, stews, and as a garnish for various dishes. Corn parsley can also be used as a substitute for regular parsley in recipes that require a milder flavor.

Medicinal uses

Corn parsley has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The plant contains high levels of flavonoids, coumarins, and essential oils, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.

Corn parsley has been used to treat digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. It is also used to treat urinary tract infections and kidney stones due to its diuretic properties. In addition, the plant has been used to treat respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughs.

Preparation and storage

Corn parsley can be easily grown in gardens or purchased at farmer's markets. To prepare, wash the leaves and stems thoroughly and chop as desired. Fresh corn parsley can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container or wrapped in a damp paper towel.

Dried corn parsley can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to six months in an airtight container.

Corn parsley is a versatile herb that has been used for centuries in both culinary and medicinal practices. Its delicate and sweet flavor makes it a popular ingredient in various dishes, while its health benefits have made it a staple in traditional medicine. Whether fresh or dried, corn parsley is a useful herb to have on hand in any kitchen or medicine cabinet.

Additional Information about Corn Parsley

Here are a few more categories to explore the uses of corn parsley:

  1. Herbal tea: Corn parsley can be brewed as a tea by steeping fresh or dried leaves in hot water for several minutes. This tea is believed to have calming and relaxing properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety.

  2. Beauty and skincare: Corn parsley is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that can benefit the skin. It is used in various natural skincare products such as toners, creams, and masks to improve skin health and reduce inflammation.

  3. Culinary decoration: Corn parsley is often used as a decorative element in culinary presentations due to its delicate and attractive appearance. It can be used to add a touch of green to various dishes, including sandwiches, soups, and main courses.

  4. Insect repellent: Corn parsley is a natural insect repellent and can be used to repel mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. It can be crushed and rubbed on the skin or hung in a sachet to deter insects.

  5. Companion plant: Corn parsley is a beneficial companion plant to many crops as it attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings while repelling harmful pests. It also adds nutrients to the soil, improving the overall health of plants in the vicinity.

Corn parsley is a versatile and useful plant that offers many benefits. Its culinary, medicinal, and other uses make it a valuable addition to any garden, kitchen, or medicine cabinet. Whether you're looking to add flavor to your meals, improve your health, or repel insects, corn parsley is a natural and effective solution.

And some more...

Here are some additional details about corn parsley:

  1. Traditional uses: Corn parsley has a long history of use in traditional medicine, dating back to ancient times. It was used by the Greeks and Romans to treat various ailments, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, and kidney stones.

  2. Nutritional value: Corn parsley is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium. It also contains high levels of antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds.

  3. Culinary benefits: Corn parsley has a delicate and sweet flavor that makes it a popular ingredient in many dishes. It can be used fresh or dried, and is commonly used in salads, soups, stews, and as a garnish. It is also used as a substitute for regular parsley in recipes that require a milder flavor.

  4. Medicinal benefits: Corn parsley has a variety of medicinal properties due to its high levels of flavonoids, coumarins, and essential oils. It is used to treat digestive issues, urinary tract infections, respiratory problems, and other ailments.

  5. Growing conditions: Corn parsley is a hardy plant that is easy to grow in gardens or containers. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. It can be grown from seed or propagated by division.

Overall, corn parsley is a versatile and useful plant that offers many benefits. Whether you're looking to improve your health, add flavor to your meals, or repel insects, corn parsley is a natural and effective solution.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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