Torilis japonica (upright hedge-parsley)

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Torilis spp.

hedge parslies

Apiaceae

Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and temperate Asia

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

Overview

Torilis spp. is a genus of about 15 species of annual and biennial herbs in the carrot family, Apiaceae, native to Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and temperate Asia. Plants grow 20-120 cm (8-47 in) tall on slender, branched, often roughly hairy stems. The leaves are one to three times pinnately divided into narrow, toothed segments, resembling those of wild carrot. Tiny white to pinkish flowers are held in compound umbels 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 in) across, each umbel with few rays and small bracts. The fruit is an egg-shaped schizocarp 3-5 mm (0.1-0.2 in) long covered in hooked or curved bristles that catch on fur and clothing, spreading the seed. Several species, including Torilis arvensis and T. japonica, have naturalized as weeds of hedgerows, field margins, and disturbed ground across North America and elsewhere. The clinging seeds and rapid colonization of bare soil make these plants difficult to control once established in pasture or garden.

Native Range

Torilis spp. is native to Europe, the Mediterranean basin, North Africa, and temperate and western Asia. Through seed that clings to animals and clothing, several species have spread to North and South America, Australia, and other temperate regions as naturalized weeds.

Suggested Uses

Torilis spp. has no ornamental or crop use and is managed as a weed of pastures, field edges, and gardens. The young foliage has been used locally as a pot-herb, and some species appear in traditional herbal preparations. The bristly seed is a contaminant of wool and fur.

How to Identify

Identify Torilis spp. by its finely divided, carrot-like leaves and small compound umbels of white to pinkish flowers, each umbel carrying only a few rays. The clearest mark is the small, egg-shaped fruit densely covered in hooked bristles that cling to fur and fabric. Stems are slender, branched, and roughly hairy.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 3'11"

Width/Spread8" - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering runs from late spring into summer, May to August in temperate regions. The small white umbels open over several weeks and are visited by flies, beetles, and small bees. Bristly fruits ripen by late summer and detach readily to hitchhike on passing animals.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to pinkish

Foliage Description

Green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay sand rocky

Drainageaverage

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Torilis spp. grows in full sun to part shade on most soils and colonizes disturbed, compacted, and roadside ground without cultivation. It tolerates dry conditions and poor fertility, completing its life cycle on the moisture of a single season or, in biennial species, over two years. The taproot anchors firmly, so hand-pulling is easiest from moist soil before the seed ripens. Plants set large quantities of clinging seed, which is the main route of spread into new areas. Growth slows in deep shade and dense competition. As a weed, the genus needs no care and persists wherever bare soil is available.

Pruning

These herbs are not pruned. Plants are cut, pulled, or mown before the bristly fruit forms to prevent the clinging seed from spreading. Mowing after seed set does little to limit dispersal because the bristly fruits still cling to equipment.