Seasonal Wild Flowers

Alexanders

Latin name

Smyrnium olusatrum

Family

Apiaceae

Flowering season

February to June

English distribution

It is found mainly close to the sea in the Southwest,

the South, the Southeast and East Anglia..

See the BSBI distribution map for Alexanders

Habitat

Alexanders are archeophytes, which were brought to

the UK by the Romans for cultivation as a food crop.

They were replaced by celery in the Middle Ages (15th

century).

They grow alongside roads and paths, on cliffs and

wasteland and in churchyards.

They are on the increase, are quite invasive and may

be becomming a nuisance in some places.

Description

Alexanders are robust, biennial or perennial herbs

growing up to 1.5m.

The yellow-green flowers stand out in late winter and

early spring.

The flowerheads are up to 10cm across and the

individual umbels up to 2cm.

Individual flowers have 5 separated yellow petals,

each with a recurved point.

There are 5 stamens, which alternate with the petals.

The stamens appear before the stigmas (protandrous).

There are 2 styles on an enlarged base.

The fruits are globular and ridged.

There are few (usually none) bracts or bracteoles

Leaves are up to 30cm, shiny, dark-green with terminal

trefoils.

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Alexanders beside a road, Dorset

Flowerhead

Close-up of flowers, 5 petals, 5 stamens

2 styles on swollen bases

Ridged, globular fruits

Trefoil-shaped leaves

Robust stem, distinctive petiole sheaths