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Parsley Piert

Aphanes arvensis

Aphanes arvensis Aphanes arvensis
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Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Rosales
Family:
Rosaceae (Rose)
Also in this family:
Acute Leaf-lobed Lady's-mantle, Alpine Cinquefoil, Alpine Lady's-mantle, Ampfield Cotoneaster, Arran Service Tree, Arran Whitebeam, Barren Strawberry, Bastard Agrimony, Bastard Service Tree, Bearberry Cotoneaster, Bird Cherry, Blackthorn, Bloody Whitebeam, Bramble, Bristol Whitebeam, Broad-leaved Whitebeam, Broadtooth Lady's-mantle, Bronze Pirri-pirri-bur, Bullace Plum, Bullate Cotoneaster, Burnet Rose, Catacol Whitebeam, Caucasian Lady's-mantle, Cheddar Whitebeam, Cherry Laurel, Cherry Plum, Chinese Photinia, Cloudberry, Clustered Lady's-mantle, Common Agrimony, Common Hawthorn, Common Lady's-mantle, Common Medlar, Common Ninebark, Common Whitebeam, Crab Apple, Creeping Chinese Bramble, Creeping Cinquefoil, Crimean Lady's-mantle, Cultivated Apple, Cultivated Pear, Cut-leaved Blackberry, Damson, Devon Whitebeam, Dewberry, Diel's Cotoneaster, Dog Rose, Doward Whitebeam, Dropwort, Elm-leaved Bramble, English Whitebeam, Entire-leaved Cotoneaster, False Salmonberry, Field Rose, Firethorn, Fodder Burnet, Fragrant Agrimony, Franchet's Cotoneaster, Garden Lady's-mantle, Garden Strawberry, Giant Meadowsweet, Glaucous Dog Rose, Goatsbeard Spiraea, Gough's Rock Whitebeam, Great Burnet, Greengage Plum, Grey-leaved Whitebeam, Hairless Lady's-mantle, Hairy Lady's-mantle, Hautbois Strawberry, Himalayan Blackberry, Himalayan Cotoneaster, Himalayan Whitebeam, Hoary Cinquefoil, Hollyberry Cotoneaster, Hupeh Rowan, Hybrid Cinquefoil, Hybrid Geum, Irish Whitebeam, Japanese Cherry, Japanese Quince, Japanese Rose, Jew's Mallow, Juneberry, Lancaster Whitebeam, Late Cotoneaster, Least Lady's-mantle, Least Whitebeam, Leigh Woods Whitebeam, Ley's Whitebeam, Liljefor's Whitebeam, Littleleaf Cotoneaster, Llangollen Whitebeam, Llanthony Whitebeam, Lleyn Cotoneaster, Loganberry, Many-flowered Rose, Margaret's Whitebeam, Marsh Cinquefoil, Meadowsweet, Midland Hawthorn, Mougeot's Whitebeam, Mountain Ash, Mountain Avens, Mountain Sibbaldia, Moupin's Cotoneaster, No Parking Whitebeam, Ocean Spray, Orange Whitebeam, Pale Bridewort, Pale Lady's-mantle, Pirri-pirri-bur, Plymouth Pear, Portuguese Laurel, Purple-flowered Raspberry, Quince, Raspberry, Rock Cinquefoil, Rock Lady's-mantle, Rock Whitebeam, Round-leaved Dog Rose, Round-leaved Whitebeam, Rum Cherry, Russian Cinquefoil, Salad Burnet, Sargent's Rowan, Scannell's Whitebeam, Service Tree, Sharp-toothed Whitebeam, Sherard's Downy Rose, Shining Lady's-mantle, Ship Rock Whitebeam, Short-styled Rose, Shrubby Cinquefoil, Silver Lady's-mantle, Silverweed, Slender Parsley Piert, Slender-spined Bramble, Small-flowered Sweetbriar, Small-leaved Sweetbriar, Soft Downy Rose, Somerset Whitebeam, Sorbaria, Sour Cherry, Southern Downy Rose, Southern Lady's-mantle, Spineless Acaena, Spring Cinquefoil, St. Lucie's Cherry, Steeplebush, Stern's Cotoneaster, Stirton's Whitebeam, Stone Bramble, Sulphur Cinquefoil, Swedish Service Tree, Swedish Whitebeam, Sweet Briar, Symond's Yat Whitebeam, Tengyueh Cotoneaster, Thimbleberry, Thin-leaved Whitebeam, Tibetan Cotoneaster, Tormentil, Trailing Tormentil, Tree Cotoneaster, Trefoil Cinquefoil, Twin-cliffs Whitebeam, Two-spined Acaena, Wall Cotoneaster, Water Avens, Waterer's Cotoneaster, Waxy Lady's-mantle, Welsh Cotoneaster, Welsh Whitebeam, White Burnet, White's Whitebeam, White-stemmed Bramble, Wild Cherry, Wild Pear, Wild Plum, Wild Service Tree, Wild Strawberry, Willmott's Whitebeam, Willow-leaved Bridewort, Willow-leaved Cotoneaster, Wineberry, Wood Avens, Wye Whitebeam, Yellow-flowered Strawberry
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual
Maximum Size:
10 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Beaches, fields, gardens, grassland, mountains, rocky places, sand dunes, seaside, walls.

Flower:
֍
Green, no petals
 
Parsley-piert, scientifically known as Aphanes arvensis, produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers that are barely noticeable without close inspection. The flowers are typically greenish-white to pale pink and lack petals, instead having sepals that give the appearance of a minuscule blossom. They grow in clusters along slender stems and bloom throughout spring and summer. Despite their small size, these flowers are essential for the plant's reproduction and play a role in attracting pollinators.
Fruit:
The fruit of Parsley-piert consists of small, round, and slightly flattened nutlets. These nutlets are green initially, turning brown as they mature. Each flower produces several of these nutlets, which are enclosed within the persistent sepals after flowering. The nutlets contain the seeds of the plant and are dispersed by various means, including wind and attachment to animals or clothing. They are an essential part of the plant's reproductive cycle, ensuring the spread and propagation of Parsley-piert in its habitat.
Leaves:
The leaves of Parsley-piert are small and distinctive, playing a crucial role in identifying this delicate plant. They are oval to lanceolate in shape, measuring typically between 5 to 15 millimeters in length. These leaves are arranged alternately along the stems and are soft to the touch, often covered with fine hairs that give them a slightly fuzzy texture. Their color ranges from green to reddish-green, with prominent veins running longitudinally from the base to the tip of each leaf. The margins of the leaves are generally entire, occasionally with a few small teeth. Found in disturbed habitats such as fields, gardens, and along pathways, Parsley-piert forms compact clusters with its diminutive leaves contributing to its unassuming yet distinctive appearance in its preferred growing environments.
Aroma:
Parsley-piert (Aphanes arvensis) does not have a notable aroma. Unlike some other plants that are prized for their fragrance, Parsley-piert is primarily valued for its delicate appearance and its role in natural ecosystems rather than for any distinct scent.
Other Names:
Bowel-hive Grass, Field Lady's Mantle, Field Parsley Piert, Fire Grass, Parsley Breakstone, Parsley Piercestone, Parsley-piert.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Similar Species

Slender Parsley Piert

Other Information

Summary

Aphanes arvensis, commonly known as Parsley Piert, is a species of fern in the Rosaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and is typically found growing in rocky or sandy areas, along the coast, or in dry sclerophyll forests. It's a small, delicate fern, with very small and delicate fronds that resemble parsley leaves, which gives it the common name. It's a hardy fern, tolerant of dry conditions and it's easy to grow. It can be grown from spores or by division. It's also used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, or in mixed borders.

Blog

Parsley piert, or Aphanes arvensis, is a small, delicate plant that is often found growing in fields, meadows, and other open areas throughout Europe and North America. Despite its unassuming appearance, parsley piert has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is still used today for a variety of purposes.

Appearance and Habitat

Parsley piert is a low-growing plant that typically reaches no more than a few inches in height. It has small, finely divided leaves that are arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant. The leaves are bright green and have a distinct parsley-like aroma when crushed.

The flowers of parsley piert are small and inconspicuous, and they are typically greenish-white or yellowish in color. The plant blooms from April to August, and the flowers are followed by tiny, rounded fruit.

Parsley piert is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, pastures, and disturbed areas such as roadsides and waste ground. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Traditional Uses

Parsley piert has a long history of use in traditional medicine, dating back to ancient times. It was used by the Greeks and Romans to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, respiratory infections, and skin conditions.

In medieval Europe, parsley piert was used as a general tonic and was thought to be effective against the plague. It was also used to treat wounds and infections.

In modern herbal medicine, parsley piert is still used for a variety of purposes. It is thought to have diuretic and detoxifying properties, and is often used to treat urinary tract infections and kidney problems. It is also used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as respiratory infections such as bronchitis and asthma.

Preparation and Dosage

Parsley piert can be prepared in a variety of ways, including as a tea, tincture, or poultice. To make a tea, the leaves and flowers can be steeped in hot water for several minutes, then strained and sweetened if desired. A tincture can be made by steeping the plant in alcohol or vinegar for several weeks, then straining and bottling the liquid. A poultice can be made by crushing the leaves and applying them directly to the skin.

The dosage of parsley piert will depend on the individual and the specific condition being treated. As with any herbal remedy, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using parsley piert.

Conclusion

Parsley piert may be a small and unassuming plant, but it has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is still used today for a variety of purposes. Whether you are looking for a natural remedy for a urinary tract infection, a skin condition, or a respiratory infection, parsley piert may be worth exploring. As with any herbal remedy, be sure to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before use.

Additional Information about Parsley Piert

In addition to its traditional uses, parsley piert has also been studied for its potential therapeutic properties. One study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that extracts of parsley piert exhibited strong antioxidant activity and could potentially be used as a natural source of antioxidants.

Another study published in the Journal of Natural Products found that parsley piert contains several compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may make parsley piert a promising natural treatment for conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.

Parsley piert is also considered to be safe for most people when used in recommended doses. However, as with any herbal remedy, it is important to use caution and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using parsley piert, especially if you are pregnant or have a medical condition.

In conclusion, parsley piert is a small but versatile plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine. Whether you are looking for a natural remedy for a specific condition or simply want to add a new herb to your collection, parsley piert is definitely worth exploring.

Facts about Parsley Piert

Here are 20 facts and a summary about Parsley Piert:

Facts:

  1. Parsley piert is also known as field parsley, small goosefoot, and lamb's cress.
  2. Its scientific name is Aphanes arvensis.
  3. It belongs to the rose family, Rosaceae.
  4. It is a small, low-growing plant that reaches no more than a few inches in height.
  5. Parsley piert is native to Europe and North America and can be found growing in fields, meadows, and other open areas.
  6. It has small, finely divided leaves that are bright green and have a distinct parsley-like aroma.
  7. The flowers of parsley piert are small and inconspicuous, and they are typically greenish-white or yellowish in color.
  8. It blooms from April to August.
  9. The plant is hardy and can grow in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, pastures, and disturbed areas.
  10. Parsley piert has a long history of use in traditional medicine, dating back to ancient times.
  11. It was used by the Greeks and Romans to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, respiratory infections, and skin conditions.
  12. In modern herbal medicine, parsley piert is still used for a variety of purposes, including as a diuretic and detoxifying agent.
  13. It is also used to treat urinary tract infections, kidney problems, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, and respiratory infections such as bronchitis and asthma.
  14. Parsley piert can be prepared in a variety of ways, including as a tea, tincture, or poultice.
  15. The dosage of parsley piert will depend on the individual and the specific condition being treated.
  16. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using parsley piert.
  17. Studies have shown that parsley piert exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  18. Parsley piert is considered safe for most people when used in recommended doses.
  19. It is an edible plant and can be used as a garnish or added to salads.
  20. It can also be used as a natural dye for fabrics.

Summary: Parsley piert is a small, low-growing plant with finely divided leaves that are bright green and have a distinct parsley-like aroma. It is native to Europe and North America and can be found growing in fields, meadows, and other open areas. Parsley piert has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is still used today for a variety of purposes. It is a diuretic and detoxifying agent and can be used to treat urinary tract infections, kidney problems, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, and respiratory infections such as bronchitis and asthma. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, including as a tea, tincture, or poultice, and is considered safe for most people when used in recommended doses. Studies have shown that parsley piert exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is also an edible plant that can be used as a garnish or added to salads.

Video

Parsley-piert filmed at Hutton Roof in Cumbria on the 1st June 2024.

 

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Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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