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Apium graveolens - L.

Common Name Wild Celery. Ajmod, Ajwain-ka-patta (Indian)
Family Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards If the plant is infected with the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[65]. This is more likely to happen to Caucasians[218]. Allergic responses include anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. Cross-allergenicity between celery, cucumber, carrot, watermelon and possibly apples. Avoid during pregnancy as emmenagogue, abortifacient and uterine stimulant activity reported [301].
Habitats Ditches, by rivers and in other damp locations, especially near the sea in salt marshes[9, 17, 100].
Range Central and southern Europe, including Britain, to temperate areas of Africa and Asia.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade
Apium graveolens Wild Celery. Ajmod, Ajwain-ka-patta (Indian)


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Apium graveolens Wild Celery. Ajmod, Ajwain-ka-patta (Indian)
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Apium graveolens is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Apium celleri. Apium decumbens. Celeria graveolens. Carum graveolens.

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Root  Seed
Edible Uses: Condiment

Leaves - raw or cooked[52, 105]. Mainly used as a flavouring in soups etc[5, 7, 9, 46]. They can be eaten raw but have a very strong flavour[52]. They are toxic if consumed in large amounts[238]. Seed - a flavouring. Used in small quantities to flavour soups and stews[238]. An essential oil from the seed is also used as a flavouring[46, 105]. Root - cooked[74].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antianxiety  Antirheumatic  Aperient  Appetizer  Carminative  Diuretic  Emmenagogue  Galactogogue  
Nervine  Stimulant  Tonic

Wild celery has a long history of medicinal and food use. it is an aromatic bitter tonic herb that reduces blood pressure, relieves indigestion, stimulates the uterus and is anti-inflammatory[238]. The ripe seeds, herb and root are aperient, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, nervine, stimulant and tonic[4, 7, 21, 165]. Wild celery is said to be useful in cases of hysteria, promoting restfulness and sleep and diffusing through the system a mild sustaining influence[4]. The herb should not be prescribed for pregnant women[238]. Seeds purchased for cultivation purposes are often dressed with a fungicide, they should not be used for medicinal purposes[238]. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried[238]. The whole plant is harvested when fruiting and is usually liquidized to extract the juice[238]. The seeds are harvested as they ripen and are dried for later use[238]. An essential oil obtained from the plant has a calming effect on the central nervous system. Some of its constituents have antispasmodic, sedative and anticonvulsant actions. It has been shown to be of value in treating high blood pressure[254]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the herb[9]. It is used in treating rheumatism and kidney complaints[9].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Essential

The growing plant is an insect repellent, it repels the cabbage white butterfly so is a good companion for brassicas[20].

Special Uses

Food Forest  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a rich moist soil in sun or semi-shade[238], but with some shade in the summer[52]. It is tolerant of saline soils[238]. The plants are fairly hardy, though they can be damaged by hard frosts[238]. Wild celery is the parent of the cultivated celery (A. graveolens dulce) as well as celery leaf (A. graveolens secalinum) and celeriac (A. graveolens rapaceum). This entry only deals with the wild celery, the other plants are dealt with separately. A very aromatic plant, the aroma being most noticeable when the foliage is bruised. The growing plant is a good companion for leeks, tomatoes, French beans and brassicas[18].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ. If seed is in short supply it can be sown in a cold frame in spring. The seed can harbour certain diseases of celery, it is usually treated by seed companies before being sold but if you save your own seed you should make sure that only seed from healthy plants is used[1].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Aethusa cynapiumFool's ParsleyAnnual1.2 -  LMHFSNDM11 
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Apium australe Perennial0.6 -  LMHSM301
Apium filiforme Perennial0.3 -  LMHSM30 
Apium graveolens dulceCeleryBiennial0.6 -  LMSNM422
Apium graveolens rapaceumCeleriacBiennial0.6 5-9  LMHSM422
Apium graveolens secalinumLeaf CeleryBiennial0.6 -  LMSNM422
Apium insulare  0.0 -  LMHSNM00 
Apium prostratumSea Celery, Prostrate marshwortPerennial0.6 0-0  LMHSM301
Sapium japonicum Shrub5.0 8-11  LMHNM10 
Sapium sebiferumVegetable Tallow, Chinese tallow, Popcorn Tree, Chinese Tallow TreeTree9.0 8-11 FLMHNM224

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Botanical References

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Readers comment

WAYNE A. SIEGERT   Mon Mar 31 14:22:00 2003

WHERE CAN I BUY WILD CELERY FOR PLANTING IN MY DUCK PONDS

ALSO INTERESTED IN "POND PEPPER" FOR WILD FOWL PLANTINGS

THANKS

WAYNE SIEGERT

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