Smyrnium perfoliatum aka Perfoliate Alexanders

Smyrnium perfoliatum, or perfoliate alexanders, belongs to the carrot family, Apiaceae. This biennial grows in temperate parts of its native range. That range spans east-central Europe, the Mediterranean region and the Caucasus. It includes parts of North Africa and western Asia. It is not native to Great Britain or Ireland. In the wild, it grows in mixed oak woods.

Plants stand upright and form a bushy clump. Garden plants reach about 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres] tall. Their spread is about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. They reach full size within one to two years. The stout stems have clear ribs along their length. Green leaves at the base reach 0.66 feet [0.2 metres] long. Smaller upper leaves clasp the stems and look bright yellow-green. The foliage is deciduous, rather than evergreen.

Tiny yellow-green flowers form loose umbels in the second spring. Their colour echoes the bright leaves around the stems. The upright stems and pale upper foliage give the plant its form. PFAF lists it for woodland gardens with dappled shade. It also places it along shaded edges and in hedgerows. These settings match its woodland habitat within its native range. PFAF gives a USDA hardiness range of zones 5–9. The supplied sources give no specific soil or watering needs.

PFAF lists leaves, young shoots, stems and flowers as edible. Leaves and shoots can go into salads or cooked dishes. Their flavour is strong and recalls celery. Growth begins in autumn, so leaves may remain available through winter. Young leafy seedlings can take the place of parsley. Stems can also be eaten raw or cooked. Excluding light from growing leaves and stems helps blanch them. PFAF rates its food value at three out of five. It reports no known hazards and no known medicinal uses. That hazard note does not establish safety for pets.

Its legal status matters when choosing a garden site. The RHS identifies it as an invasive non-native plant in Great Britain. It falls under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Selling it is not banned under the cited guidance. However, planting it in the wild is an offence there. Causing it to grow in the wild is also prohibited.