Smyrnium olusatrum
alexanders
Overview
Smyrnium olusatrum is a stout biennial of the carrot family, 50-150 cm (20-59 in) tall, with solid, ridged, branching stems and glossy dark green leaves divided into broad, toothed, three-part segments. In its second year it produces rounded umbels 4-6 cm (1.6-2.4 in) across of small yellow-green flowers, followed by ridged black seeds 3-4 mm (0.12-0.16 in) long. The whole plant is aromatic, with a scent and flavour between celery and parsley, and was once grown widely as a pot herb. It forms a thick taproot in the first year, flowers and sets seed in the second, then dies. Plants self-sow heavily and naturalise along hedge banks, sea cliffs, and roadsides, where dense stands can shade out lower vegetation. It grows fast in spring, often greening up before most other umbellifers, and dies back by midsummer after seeding. It tolerates salt spray and poor soils but needs reasonable moisture during the growing season.
Native Range
Smyrnium olusatrum is native to the Mediterranean region and the Atlantic coasts of southern and western Europe. It was carried north in antiquity as a vegetable and has naturalised widely in Britain, Ireland, and northwest Europe, especially near the coast. It is not native to North America.Suggested Uses
Grown in herb gardens and edible landscapes for its celery-flavoured stems, leaves, and seeds. Used in coastal and wild gardens where it naturalises on banks and rough ground. Its size and heavy self-seeding make it hard to place in small, formal beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'8" - 4'11"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in the second year from April to June, earlier than most umbellifers in its range. Yellow-green umbels open as the foliage reaches full size. Black seeds ripen through June and July, after which the plant dies.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Smyrnium olusatrum in full sun to partial shade in moisture-retentive but free-draining soil, including poor and salt-exposed sites. Sow seed in autumn, as it needs winter cold to germinate, and expect flowering only in the second season. The plant is hardy and needs no protection in temperate gardens. It self-sows abundantly, so cut seed heads before they ripen where spread is unwanted. Water in dry spells during active spring growth; little care is needed otherwise. Stems and leaves can be cut for the kitchen in the first and second years.Pruning
No routine pruning is needed for this biennial. Cut down the flowering stems after seed set, or earlier to prevent self-sowing. Remove dead second-year plants once they have browned and collapsed.✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Autumn, sown fresh; requires winter chilling to germinate