Torilis japonica
upright hedge-parsley
Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia
Overview
Torilis japonica is an erect annual or biennial in the carrot family, growing 30-120 cm (12-47 in) tall on slender, ridged, roughly hairy stems. The leaves are two to three times pinnate, 5-15 cm (2-6 in) long, with narrow, toothed segments and a sparse covering of stiff hairs. From mid-summer it carries small, long-stalked compound umbels of tiny white to pale pink flowers, each umbel with 5 to 12 rays. The flowers give way to egg-shaped fruits 3-4 mm (0.12-0.16 in) long, covered in hooked bristles that cling to fur and clothing for dispersal. It grows along hedge banks, woodland edges, rough grassland, and roadside verges on a wide range of soils. The species tolerates partial shade and disturbed ground but is short-lived and relies on its burred seed to spread into new sites. Its open umbels and fern-like leaves give a light, see-through texture among taller vegetation.
Native Range
Torilis japonica is native across Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, including Japan, from which it takes its name. It has naturalised widely in North America and other temperate regions as a plant of disturbed and shaded ground. It grows from lowlands to low mountains.Suggested Uses
Torilis japonica occurs in wildlife hedgerows, woodland-edge plantings, and naturalistic grassland where its airy summer umbels support insects. Its clinging seed and short life limit its use in tidy borders. It is most often part of conservation or habitat planting rather than ornamental schemes.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'11"
Width/Spread8" - 1'4"
Bloom Information
Small white to pale pink flowers open in compound umbels from July to August, later than many hedgerow umbellifers. Insects visit the flat flower clusters for nectar. Bristly fruits develop through late summer and persist on the dry stems into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale pinkFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 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