Smyrnium perfoliatum
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Smyrnium perfoliatum is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.5
Where it is found
Mixed oak woods.
S. Europe to Asia. Occasionally naturalized in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Leaves and young shoots - raw in salads or cooked in soups, stews etc. The plant commences growth in the autumn and the leaves are often available throughout the winter. They have a rather strong celery-like flavour and are often blanched (by excluding light from the growing plant) before use. Leafy seedlings can be used as a parsley substitute. Stem - raw or cooked. Tasting somewhat like celery, it is often blanched (by excluding light) before use. This species is considered to be superior to the related S. olusatrum because it not only blanches better but is also more crisp and tender and not so harsh flavoured. Flower buds - raw. A celery-like flavour, they can be added to salads. The spicy seeds are used as a pepper substitute. Root - cooked. Boiled and used in soups. the root is said to be more tender if it has been kept in a cool place all winter.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in most soils but prefers an open sunny position in a well-drained moisture retentive soil. Self-sows freely with us in our Cornwall garden, in a suuny, sheltered position.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in an outdoor seedbed in autumn and planted into its permanent position in late spring. Germination can be slow. Can also be sown in situ in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedgerow;
Habit: Biennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist