Smyrnium olusatrum aka Alexanders
Taxonomy
Smyrnium olusatrum, also known as Alexanders, alisander, or horse parsley, is a stout biennial plant of the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family. It is native to continental Europe and can be found growing on waste ground, field margins, and near the sea around the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastal regions of Europe. Alexanders has long been naturalized in Britain and Ireland, where it is widely dispersed and commonly found on the sites of medieval monastery gardens as a persistent relic of former cultivation. The plant can grow up to 150 centimeters tall, with bluntly toothed leaves that are ternately divided. Every part of the plant is edible, with a flavor between celery and parsley. Alexanders produces yellow-green flowers arranged in umbels, and its fruits are black. It flowers from April to June. While it was formerly widely grown as a pot herb, it is now appreciated mostly by foragers. Alexanders is also a super rare houseplant that needs regular watering and abundant sunlight to thrive and should be less than 3 feet from a window.
Common names
Alexanders, Horse Parsley, Black LovageHow to care for Alexanders
Difficulty
Alexanders is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Water
Alexanders should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Alexanders prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
Region of origin
Alexanders’s native range is Europe to Asia. Naturalized in Britain[17].
More info:
Wikipedia