Taxonomy
Smyrnium olusatrum | Alexanders | Lusrán grándubh
Pre 2017
2017 - 2020
Status
Conservation status
Not protected
Native status
Archaeophyte
Species Biology
Identification
- Distinctive Yellow/Green Umbellifer, with a fragrant almost pungent aroma (leaves smell quite like celery).
- Flowers early in the year from February into Summer Months
- Distinctive black seeds produced after flowering
Habitat
Hedges, roadsides and waste places
Life cycle
Biennial/Perennial
Ex-situ conservation
Not known
Use
Food crop
Vegetative nature
Herbaceous
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
A native of the Mediterranean region. Considered an alien in the British Isles and most likely introduced in Ireland. The name 'Alexanders' refers to Alexander the Great who was thought to have used this plant. It is likely that it was brought to the British Isles by the Romans. Thought to be a relic of ancient cultivation. A former pot-herb, used as a salad, but it has now been replaced by celery.