Small plant, to 2 ft tall. Flowers white, in flat-topped clusters divided irregularly into subclusters.. Inflorescence about 2 and a half inches wide. Leaves very finely divided into numerous tiny secetions. Fruits small, dry capsules. Blooms in late spring or summer.

Native of Europe, cultivated for its aromatic seeds used in cooking. It sometimes escapes from cultivation, to dry open places, but rarely persists. The pictured plant was found near construction at the edge of the Great South Meadow.

Could be confused with any of the other white-flowered members of the family. Most have leaves that are less finely divided.. Queen-Anne's-Lace (Daucus carota) is taller and has flowers in a large, undivided cluster. Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) is comparatively huge and has flowers in rounded-top clusters.