Chaerophyllum tainturieri, known by the common names hairyfruit chervil and southern chervil,Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States is a forb and annual plant native to the south-eastern United States, with disjunct populations in Arizona and New Mexico. It is a common plant, found in glades, fields, and disturbed areas.Missouriplants It produces small white umbels of flowers in the spring.
This species was the subject of a germination study, which revealed a new type of seed dormancy.
Its was discovered by a Frenchman Mr Louis François Tainturier des Essards (ca1767-1839) living in New Orleans. "This American species was named after L.F. Tainturier des Essarts, who sent plants of Louisiane to English botanist Sir William Hooker during the 1820s and 1830s; Author and editor of many noted botanical works, Hooker later served as director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew."
Description Chaerophyllum tainturieri is an annual herb that can reach up to 32 inches in height. Its leaves are opposite and bipinnate. Flowers are grouped in an umbel and are small, white and 5-petaled. C. tainturieri blooms from March through May. Its fruit is a caryopsis.
References