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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Smyrnium olusatrum is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.7 m (2ft 4in).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Synonyms
Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedgerow;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Flowers; Leaves; Root; Stem.
Edible Uses: Condiment.
Leaves and young shoots - raw in salads or cooked in soups, stews etc[2, 5, 8, 12, 27, 37, 115, 183]. The plant comes into growth in the autumn and the leaves are often available throughout the winter[5, 52]. They have a rather strong celery-like flavour and are often blanched (by excluding light from the growing plant) before use[183]. Leafy seedlings can be used as a parsley substitute[183]. Stem - raw or cooked[2, 5, 8, 12, 27, 37, 53, 115]. It tastes somewhat like celery, but is more pungent[17, 244]. The stem is often blanched (by excluding light from the growing plant) before use[183]. Flower buds - raw[12, 52]. Added to salads, they have a celery-like flavour[K]. The spicy seeds are used as a pepper substitute[52, 183]. Root - cooked. Boiled and used in soups, its flavour is somewhat like celery. The root is said to be more tender if it has been kept in a cool place all winter[183].
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.
Bitter; Digestive.
The whole plant is bitter and digestive. It has been used in the past in the treatment of asthma, menstrual problems and wounds, but is generally considered to be obsolete as a medicinal plant[238].
Other Uses
None known
Cultivation details
Succeeds in most soils but prefers an open sunny position in a well-drained moisture retentive soil[200]. Hardy to about -15°c[200]. At one time this plant was extensively grown for its edible leaves and stems but it has now fallen into virtual disuse, having been replaced by celery[1, 2, 27, 37, 61, 183]. The seeds are highly aromatic with a myrrh-like scent[245]. A good bee plant.
Propagation
Seed - best sown in an outdoor seedbed in autumn and planted into its permanent position in late spring[1, 200]. Germination can be slow[200]. The seed can also be sown in situ in spring.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
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 :
Expert comment
Author
L.
Botanical References
17200
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
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