Bastard Stone-Parsley
Sison amomum
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Sison amomum is a BIENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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 very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Hedgebanks and roadsides, usually on calcareous soils.
Southern and western Europe from Britain and France to the Mediterranean, W. Asia and Algeria..
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Root - cooked. It is said to taste like celery. The aromatic leaves and seed are used as a condiment. The fresh seeds have a nauseous smell.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
See the plants native habitat for ideas on cultivation details. The whole plant gives off the rather unusual smell of petrol.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late spring or early autumn in situ.
Best place to grow: Hedgerow;
Habit: Biennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist