Spreading Hedge-Parsley Torilis arvensis
Spreading Hedge-Parsley (Torilis arvensis) is a scarce, spreading annual umbellifer of arable field margins, disturbed chalky soils, and hedgerow bases. It has declined significantly across Britain and is now largely confined to south-east England. Suffolk holds some of the most important remaining populations in the country, associated with arable land on chalky boulder clay and Breckland soils, where sympathetic farming practices are maintained. It is a late-flowering species, producing its small white flowers from July onwards, and relies on open, disturbed ground with reduced competition. Conservation headland management at key sites has been important in sustaining Suffolk populations. Image: © Gilles San Martin, Flickr.
Find out more: iNaturalist, Plantlife, Online Atlas of the British and Irish Flora
Suffolk’s Priority Fern and Flowering Plant Species
Key
Listed as a conservation priority in Suffolk’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
Closely associated with Suffolk’s landscape and natural identity.
Identified as a key priority for recovery under Suffolk’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Has a Species of the Month article attached.
Archived action plan, 2007