Alexanders
Smyrnium olusatrum
Alexanders, Smyrnium olusatrum is an introduced ‘Umbel’ with a deep root. This lovely biennial species, is fast growing and self-seeds freely. We do not add many seeds of this species, if it is listed as included in a seed mixture, (very few) so if you don’t want it, it’s easy to cut off the seed heads and stop it spreading.
Native to the Mediterranean but widely naturalised across Eastern Ireland, especially along coastlines and disturbed ground, we also see it spreading in the midlands. Where conditions are very dry it dominates and spreads, if you need to control it, chop off the seed heads for two years and it will almost disappear.
Alexanders can grow fast and tall, smothering all around, it often flowers about Saint Patrick’s day and makes a great floral display of green and pale yellow flowers. After flowering the black seeds make a spice and the thick, dried stems make great bug hotels.
Umbels, attract pollinators like bees, flies and hoverflies. They are important in the food chain.
Being Edible, including the roots, young stems, leaves, and seeds, all with celery-like flavour, it’s now grown by wildlife gardeners as a wild vegetable.