Slender Celery, Marsh parsley
Cyclospermum leptophyllum

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Cyclospermum leptophyllum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in). It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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): 0.7

Where it is found

Ditches and low areas, disturbed sites, in Texas. Basalt areas in Eastern Australia. A weed of cultivation and waste places.

Southern North America to South America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The leaves are used as a parsley substitute, though they occasionally have an acrid flavour. Caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

This species has become widely naturalised as a weed in Tropical and Temperate regions. 154

Propagating it:

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

There are reports that the plant is toxic to mammals.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. ammi. (Jacq.)Urb. A. leptophyllum.