*Petroselinum hortense*, a herb that is cultivated as both a spice and a vegetable.
Parsley, Petroselinum hortense is a species of Petroselinum, family Apiaceae. It is native to the central Mediterranean area but is naturalized in other parts of Europe; and is in widespread cultivation around the world.
Parsley is a biennial herbaceous plant in its preferred temperate climate, but can also be grown as an annual herb in tropical and sub-tropical climates. As a biennial, parsley typically grows to about 75cm tall with 3-10cm diameter umbels with numerous yellow-green flowers.
Parsley is typically grown as a herb/spice or as a leaf vegetable. It is also popular with wildlife - swallowtail butterflies use parsley leaves as a host for their larvae; bees and other insects will pollinate the flowers; and birds (e.g. goldfinch) feed on the seeds.
Parsley can also be planted as a companion plant. In common with other members of the carrot family, it can attract predatory insects which then help to protect neighboring plants.
Use this tag for all questions about growing parsley.
