Erect to spreading herb, c. 60–120 cm high. Lamina of basal leaves 3–15 cm long; ultimate segments elliptic to obovate, 1–6 cm long, 2–20 mm wide, obtuse; upper stem leaves with linear to linear-lanceolate segments, margins toothed except for uppermost leaves; petioles shorter than lamina. Umbels 4–7 cm diam.; common peduncle to 20 cm long; rays 20–40, 2–7 cm long, arching; bracts to 5 cm long, usually 3-fid or pinnatisect or entire; umbellules mostly c. 10 mm diam., c. 20–many-flowered; pedicels to 10 mm long; bracteoles 1–8 mm long; broad and scarious at base, becoming narrow and acuminate. Petals white, c. 1.5 mm long. Fruit 1.5–2 mm long. Flowers mostly Nov.–Mar.
GleP, Brid, VVP, VRiv, MuF, GipP, OtP, WaP, HSF. Also WA, SA, Qld, NSW, Tas. Native to Eurasia and northern Africa. A weed of cultivation and other disturbed sites, usually on fertile ground (e.g. Cohuna, Hamilton, Queenscliff areas).
Source:
Duretto, M.F. (1999). Apiaceae. In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J., Flora of Victoria Vol. 4, Cornaceae to Asteraceae, pp. 256–258. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
