Cyclospermum leptophyllum (Pers.) Sprague

Nomenclature

Cyclospermum leptophyllum (Pers.) Sprague, also sometimes spelled Ciclospermum l., is a plant species in the carrot family Apiaceae. Its most common common names are marsh parsley, slender celery, and fir-leaved celery; one source also lists the name "wild cherry", which is likely a misspelling of "wild celery". An 1889 publication titled The Useful Native Plants of Australia also records "Wild Parsley" as one of its common names.

Distribution

This species is found across the world in regions with warm temperate to tropical climates, and it is classified as a noxious weed in many of these areas.

Growth Form

It is a branching herb with a taproot, reaching a maximum height of just over half a meter.

Foliage and Flowers

Its leaves are threadlike, green, and a few centimeters long, and it produces small umbels of spherical flowers.

Ecological Role

It acts as a host plant for Eastern Black Swallowtail butterflies.

Toxicity Notes

The 1889 Australian plant reference notes that this species, like other members of its genus, is sometimes acrid and injurious when grown in damp soils.

Cultivation Potential

It also states that the species is not endemic to Australia, and that it would likely see significant improvement if cultivated carefully.