mooncarrot
Seseli libanotis
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Seseli libanotis is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Rough bushy or grassy places on chalk hills. Very local in S.E. England.
Europe, excluding the northwest but including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young plant and leaves - cooked. Root. No further details are given.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Carminative.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in a moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position. Succeeds on dry sunny banks. The var. S. libanotis daucifolia. DC. is eaten in China.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Best place to grow: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial/Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist