Skirret, Suikerwortel (Netherlands), Crummock (Scotland), Zuckewurzel (Germany)
Sium sisarum
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Sium sisarum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from March to November, in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in 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) and medium (loamy) 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): 1
Where it is found
Not known in a truly wild situation but found as an escape from cultivation in damp places.
Original habitat is obscure, possibly in E. Europe or Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 4
Root - raw or cooked. Firm, sweet and floury but with a small woody core. The roots have a very acceptable taste raw, that is somewhat like a cross between carrots and parsnip but with a nutty flavour. They can also be boiled, baked or added to soups etc. The roasted root has been used as a coffee substitute.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Coffee: the various substitutes that can be used instead of coffee.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Appetizer: Improves the appetite
Other
Rating:
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
Prefers a light, rich, moisture retentive soil in full sun. Requires an abundance of moisture in the growing season or the roots will be tough. Plants are tolerant of some shade. Plants seem to be resistant to all insects and diseases. Skirret was at one time often grown for its edible root but has fallen into virtual disuse. This is a shame since the root is very tasty, easy to grow and relatively productive. The form S. sisarum sisarum should be used, its root is fleshy and succulent, S. sisarum lancifolium. (Bieb.) Thell. is sometimes offered but is unlikely to produce roots of culinary quality. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread. The root pattern is tuberous with swollen potato-like roots .
Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter to early spring in a cold frame. It 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. The seed is best sown in early April in situ. Division in early spring just before new growth begins. Use the side roots to produce new plants. 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: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist