Small bur-parsley (Caucalis platycarpos, Sp. Pl.: 241 (1753))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 241 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Caucalis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to C. Asia and Aghanistan, NW. Africa

Description

Small bur-parsley, scientifically known as Caucalis platycarpos, is a distinctive member of the Apiaceae family. This plant was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 and has since been recognized for its widespread presence across various regions.

Characterized by its delicate structure and intricate foliage, Small bur-parsley thrives in a variety of environments. Its natural habitat extends throughout Europe, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and North-West Africa. This broad distribution indicates its adaptability to different climatic conditions and soil types.

Small bur-parsley typically features finely divided leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers which culminate in the production of tiny burr-like fruits. These fruits are a notable aspect of the plant, tending to cling to the fur of animals and clothing of passersby, facilitating seed dispersal.

The plant’s adaptability and resilience allow it to flourish in both rural and urban settings, often found along roadsides, in fields, and in garden beds. Its ability to grow in less-than-ideal conditions speaks to its hardiness and versatility.

In summary, Caucalis platycarpos is a widespread and resilient plant species with a wide geographical range, demonstrating the botanical beauty and adaptability of the Apiaceae family.

Common Names

Deu: acker-haftdolde
Eng: carrot bur parsley, small bur-parsley, hedgehog parsley
Dan: fodangel
Swe: piggkörvel
Nld: caucalis
En: Small bur-parsley, Carrot bur parsley, Hedgehog parsley, Carrot Bur-parsley
Da: Fodangel
Nl: Caucalis
Fi: Väkäpurho
Fr: “Caucalide, Caucalis à fruits aplatis, Caucalis à feuilles de Carotte”, Caucalis à feuilles de carotte, Caucalis à fruits plats, Caucalide, Caucalis à fruits larges, Caucalis fausse carotte
De: Acker-Haftdolde, Kletten-Haftdolde, Möhren-Haftdolde, Kletten Haftdolde
It: Lappola carota
Es: Cachurro
Sv: Piggkörvel

Synonyms

• Orlaya platycarpos ((L.) W.D.J.Koch)
• Caucalis longepedunculata var. oligocarpa (Sennen)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Altay (introduced)
• Amur (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• West Siberia (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jul 3, 2017 by Tercie Kadan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2022 by Waroquier Germain (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2021 by Sebastian Gardt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Jean Yves Bo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2020 by lopezlacasa (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Laura LANNUZEL (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2018 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2022 by Sol Mattje (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Jean Yves Bo (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Cheri Williford (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2019 by Antoine le Clercq (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2018 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2021 by Shilo Roberts (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 15, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2018 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken May 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 14, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3034523)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:839978-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Caucalis platycarpos L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 9.0

Ph minimum: 8.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 5