Falcaria vulgaris is a biennial to perennial herbaceous plant in the Apiaceae family. It is erect with ribbed, branching stems and grows up to 1-2 ft. (30-60 cm) tall. F. vulgaris has a straight spindle shaped root. It is native to central Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean.
Foliage
The simple alternate leaves have serrate edges and may be lobed. There is one leaf per node along the stem.
Flowers
The small white flowers are held in a compound umbel. Each small white flower has five petals. F. vulgaris flowers from June through August.
Fruit
The fruit is a yellowish to brown oblong achene. It may produce as many as 900 fruits per growing season. F. vulgaris can also reproduce vegetatively from the rootstock beginning the second year.
Ecological Threat
F. vulgaris can infest prairies as well as grain and other crops. It is a weedy plant that can be found growing along roadsides, ditches and riverbanks. F. vulgaris can also infest natural areas such as forest clearings, meadows and other uncultivated land.