Invasive to Watch: Japanese Hedge Parsley

What is Japanese hedge parsley? Japanese hedge parsley is a relatively new invasive to Wisconsin. It is a biennial that flowers in mid-summer of the second year; plants are 2-6′ tall.

Why is it a problem? Japanese hedge parsley is a fast invader of forests, grasslands, hedgerows and roadsides. Its seeds are quickly and easily dispersed by animals.

What can I do? Hand-pulling or mowing prior to flowering are the recommended control methods. Foliage treatment of glyphosate, metsulfuron or triclopyr (available under various trade names) applied in fall or spring can be effective as well.

Want more information?

• Get more control ideas on this Japanese hedge parsley fact sheet.
• View this video from UW-Extension for help identifying Japanese hedge parsley.