Presented in Association with the Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Apiaceae (Parsely Family)
The most identifying charaacter of the Apiaceae is the compound umbel. It is an umbrella pattern
of flower stems holding many smaller umbrellas which hold the small flowers. This pattern gave the family its older name, the Umbelliferae. The small flowers have five petals, five stamens, and two united carpels with two styles. The flower stalks are usually hollow. Beware the family name though-- several of the members of the Apiaceae are poisonous, including Poison Hemlock (Conium).