Bishop's Weed, Large bullwort, Queen Anne's Lace, Bishop's Flower
Ammi majus
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Irregular or sprawling, Upright or erect.
Ammi majus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a medium rate. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Waste places in Britain.
C. Europe to W. Asia and N. Africa. A casual in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed - used as a condiment.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 3
The seed is contraceptive, diuretic and tonic. An infusion is used to calm the digestive system, whilst it is also used in the treatment of asthma and angina. A decoction of the ground-up seed, eaten after intercourse, appears able to prevent implantation of the fertilized ovum in the uterus. This decoction is also used as a gargle in the treatment of toothache. The seed contains furanocoumarins (including bergapten), which stimulate pigment production in skin that is exposed to bright sunlight. The plant is widely cultivated in India for these furanocoumarins which are used in the treatment of vitiligo (piebald skin) and psoriasis.
Other
Rating:
The root is chewed to give protection from strong sunlight. It contains 8-methoxypsoralen which stimulates production of pigment in skin exposed to U.V. light. Caution is advised, however, since it can cause side-effects. Other reports suggest that it is the seeds that are used.
Weather protection: Plants that can be used to give the body protection from severe weather.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Massing, Specimen. Prefers a well-drained soil in a sunny position, succeeding in ordinary garden soil. This species is often cultivated for its attractive flowering stems which are often sold in markets. It is cultivated in India as a medicinal herb. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Suitable for cut flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The root contains 8-methoxypsoralen, this stimulates the production of pigmentation in skin exposed to ultra-violet light, but it can cause side-effects. Use with caution. Skin contact with the sap is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people.