Alexanders

Smyrnium olusatrum

Basic Information

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

Genus: smyrnium

Plant ID (slug): smyrnium-olusatrum

Numeric ID: 26358

USDA Hardiness: 5-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Smyrnium olusatrum is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.7 m (2ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 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: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe to Asia. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedgerow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Shoots 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

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].