Sium serra
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Sium serra is a PERENNIAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 0
Where it is found
Wet and marshy places, in central and northern Japan.
E. Asia - Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Plant - cooked. The part of the plant is not specified.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a light, rich, moisture retentive soil in full sun.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter to early spring in a cold frame. The seed can be slow to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer if they are large enough. Otherwise, grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in the following spring. Division in early spring just before new growth begins. Use the side roots. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist, wet