Parsley

Origin: Central/Eastern Mediterranean

Family: Apiaceae
Scientific Name: Petroselinum crispum

Folk Names: Devil’s oatmeal, percely, persil, petersilie

Magical

Element: Air
Day: Wednesday
Planet: Mercury
Zodiac: Gemini
Associated Celebrations: Shadowfest
Deities: Aphrodite, Persephone, Venus

Parts used: Leaves

Magical Properties: Lust, protection, prosperity, purification

Substitutions: Mint

Aromatherapy

Part Used: Seeds or leaves
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Flash Point: 48°C

Scent Type: Herbaceous
Perfume Note: Middle
Scent Description: Woody-spicy, herbaceous scent

Warnings:

• Avoid during pregnancy.
• May cause skin irritation and sensitisation, dilute double for topical application.
• Phototoxic: Do not expose skin to sunlight for 12-72 hours after topical use.

Botanical

Type: Herb
Plant Height: 1m-35m
Leaves: Bright green, 10-25cm tripinnate leaves, with 1-3cm leaflets, either flat or curly
Flowers: Flowering spike with umbels of yellow-green flowers
Fruit: Ovate, 2-3mm long

Etymology: From the Ancient Greek petroselinon for “rock-celery” (petra = rock, selinon = celery).

In the Garden

Type: Biennial
Sow: Spring
Light: Full to partial sun
Water: Keep damp
Soil: Rich, well-drained

Tips:

• Plant seeds in final position, as parsley dislikes being transplanted.