About Torilis arvensis (Huds.) Link
Torilis arvensis (Huds.) Link is a species of flowering plant in the Apiaceae family, commonly known as spreading hedge parsley, tall sock-destroyer, and common hedge parsley. It is native to parts of Europe, and is an introduced species and widespread weed in other regions including North America. It can grow in many habitat types, especially in disturbed areas. This annual herb produces a slender, branching stem covered in rough hairs, that reaches a maximum height of one meter. Its alternately arranged leaves are each split into multiple pairs of lance-shaped leaflets that grow up to 6 centimeters long, and each leaflet is further divided or deeply cut into segments or teeth. Its inflorescence is a wide, open compound umbel of flower clusters borne on long, slender rays. Each individual flower has five petals that differ in size, and are white with a pinkish or reddish tinge. Fruits are greenish or pinkish, 3 to 5 millimeters long, and covered in straight or curved prickles.
