Alexanders
smyrnium olusatrum
Also known as: ["Black Lovage","Wild Celery"]
Overview
A biennial herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region, historically used as a culinary herb before celery became popular.
Benefits & Perks
["culinary herb","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Smyrnium |
| Botanical Name: | Smyrnium olusatrum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a sunny to partially shaded spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, fertile, well-draining soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; annually after flowering or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or diseased parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateModerate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Mulch to retain moisture; avoid compacted soil; test pH annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Apply fertilizer sparingly; water before and after fertilizing; stop feeding in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or root division; seeds germinate best after cold stratification.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly.
- Keep moist.
- Divide roots when crowding occurs.
Best Time: Spring for seeds; early spring for root division.
Environment
Warm, moist conditions for seeds; partial shade for division.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or garden soil for division.
Hormone
Not necessary for seeds; optional for root division to encourage root growth.
Timeline
Seeds: 2–4 weeks for germination; division: immediate establishment.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, trowel, pruners, cold frame (optional).
Quick Tips
Cold stratify seeds for better germination; divide roots in early growth phase.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back spent flower stalks; trim overcrowded stems to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged parts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out crowded roots; ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; water plant before repotting; handle roots carefully.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf damage or dieback in prolonged cold; vulnerable to frost.
Solution: Provide frost protection; move containers indoors; use row covers for garden plants.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; follow dilution instructions; apply during active growth.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSmyrnium olusatrum is generally non-toxic to cats. However, ingestion of significant amounts of the seeds may result in mild gastrointestinal issues due to furanocoumarins. Phototoxic reactions are possible but uncommon in cats.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Non-toxicAlexanders is not considered toxic to dogs under normal circumstances. However, ingestion of large amounts of the seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of furanocoumarins, which can lead to mild phototoxicity in rare cases.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicSmyrnium olusatrum, commonly known as Alexanders, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of its seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of furanocoumarins. These compounds can lead to phototoxic reactions in sensitive individuals, though such cases are rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Alexanders edible?
A: Yes, the leaves, stems, and seeds are edible and were historically used as a celery substitute.
Q: How tall does Alexanders grow?
A: It can grow up to 1.5 meters tall in its second year.
Q: Does Alexanders attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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