Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum)
Edibility
Edibility:Edible
Eating notes: Although the entire plant is edible including the leaves and flowers, it is most often the stems that are eaten. The stems are cut from the plant and the leaves removed. Sections of stem can them be steamed until tender. The mature seeds of Alexanders can also be used as a substitute for black pepper corns.
Season
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Frequency
Description
Alexanders are one of a number of Roman introductions to Britain's flora. They are locally common particularly in southern costal regions.
Height: 100 - 160cm
Leaves: Oval with serrated edges in three groups of three leaves on each leaf stalk. Yellowish green in colour and slightly shiny.
Flowers: Multiple umbels of tiny 5 petalled yellow flowers.
Stems: Strong, smooth and hairless.
Other: The large bracts which join the leaf stalk to the stems are are very distinctive. They often have pint striations.
Warning: Care should be taken when collecting umbellifers as this family contains a number of similar looking but very poisonous plants.