Chaerophyllum temulum L.

Erect biennial. Stems solid, slightly grooved, purple spotted, up to 100 cm high, clothed with stiff, rarely stellate, hairs. Basal lvs 2–3-pinnate, moderately to densely hispid above and below, petiolate; ultimate segments pinnatisect and crenate, 15–35 mm long, sessile or petiolulate; stem lvs similar to basal but reduced and often 1-pinnate. Umbels 2–8 cm diam.; rays 5–11; bracts 0–2, narrowly ovate-triangular, 2–4 mm long; bracteoles 5–8, ovate-oblong, acuminate, hairy and ciliate. Fls numerous, white, irregular, 2–3 mm diam. Fr. glabrous, narrowly ovoid, dark brown with lighter ribs, 4–6 mm long.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Nov.–Feb.