[Mike Collins]

While biking today I noticed a small patch of plants along Coal Creek Parkway that I haven’t seen before. I don’t know if they are native to WA. Does anyone recognize the plant in the photos? It was beginning to flower and looks to be in the Apiaceae family. The fine hairs on the stems are unusual and perhaps distinctive. It lacked purple spots on the stem so not poison hemlock. The leaves are similar but more intricate than cow parsley.

[Anne Elk]

Maybe burr chervil (Anthriscus caucalis)? If so, not native. Likely invasive (aren't they always?) https://burkeherbarium.org/imagecollection/taxon.php?Taxon=Anthriscus%20caucalis

[Mike Collins]

Thank you for your reply. I was thinking bur chervil as it too has the fine hairs on the stem. But with comparing close up photos of the leaves they are not the same. I think my mystery plant is in the Genus Anthriscus though. Here is a file photo of bur chervil. https://observation.org/photos/84268985/

[Mike Collins]

It might be Spreading Chervil, Chaerophyllum procumbens. But I am still a little unsure. Its Latin name “procumbens” means “lying along the ground” and these plants were upright. https://www.missouriplants.com/Chaerophyllum_procumbens_page.html