About Aphanes arvensis L.
This plant, also known by the synonym Alchemilla arvensis, grows 2 to 20 centimetres (3⁄4–7+3⁄4 inches) tall. Its leaves measure 2 to 10 millimetres (1⁄16–3⁄8 inches) long, are fan-shaped, short-stalked, and have 3 main lobes with deep teeth. Minute flowers less than 2 mm wide are produced from April to October. They grow in dense clusters in leaf axils, surrounded by cup-like structures formed from leaf stipules. The flowers have four sepals and an epicalyx, no petals, and usually one stamen. The fruit is shaped like a pointed oval. It can be found across most of Europe including Britain, extending east to Iran, growing on arable land, bare ground, paths, and dry or chalky soils. Its leaves have a slightly acidic flavor and are edible raw. 17th-century herbalist Nicholas Culpeper recommended parsley piert for use in salads, though gathering enough of this tiny plant to make a reasonable meal is difficult. He also recommended the plant for gentlemen to eat as a winter pickle, as an addition to the pickled samphire they were already accustomed to.
