A 4 – 8’ H biennial; it grows vegetatively during the first year and completes its life cycle during the second but will re-seed. Numerous umbels of small white flowers attract bees, wasps, flies, gnats, beetles, butterflies and moths spring through summer. Shallowly to moderately cleft leaflets are 4-12″ long generally divided into 3-5 pointed coarsely toothed lobes. Best in partial shade. Can spread if watered.

CAUTION: care should be exercised around this plant, especially by people with sensitive skin as the leaves and stems contain phytotoxic chemical compounds. These light-sensitive furocoumarins can cause rashes, burns and blistering when the plant’s sap contacts skin in sunlight.

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