Seasonal Wild Flowers

Alexanders

Latin name

Smyrnium olusatrum

Family

Apiaceae

Flowering season

February to June

I have changed the starting month from March to February as

in 2015 they were in flower by February 21st and in 2016 by

5th.

English distribution

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

the Southeast and East Anglia..

For a map see the National Biodiversity Network Gateway

- 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