Alexanders
ExplorePlants
Alexanders
Smyrnium olusatrum
Alexanders are tall green plants that grow in damp places. They have bright yellow flowers that attract butterflies and bees, making them a lovely sight in nature.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Alexanders has stout, hollow stems with large, glossy, dark green leaves that look a bit like celery. Its small, yellow-green flowers are clustered into domed umbrella-like heads, creating a striking contrast against its robust foliage.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderApialesFamilyApiaceaeGenusSmyrnium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
1
Interesting facts
Alexanders can survive salty sea spray, making it a common sight near coasts!
Ancient Romans used Alexanders as a vegetable spice, similar to celery!
Its name comes from Alexandria, where it was once cultivated widely!
The entire plant, from root to seed, is edible and has a strong, unique flavor.
Special abilities
Ability
Deep Root Power
Alexanders has a thick taproot that helps it anchor firmly and find water, even in dry coastal soils.
Ability
Pollinator Magnet
Its many tiny flowers are grouped into wide, flat clusters, creating a large landing pad to attract lots of hungry insects.
Ability
Seed Spreader
Alexanders produces abundant black seeds that can float or be carried by animals, helping it spread far and wide.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 50-150 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.4 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to early summer (April-June)
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Biennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Visits flowers for nectar and pollen, aiding reproduction.
eaten by
Garden snail
Helix aspersa
Snails sometimes feed on the leaves and stems of young plants.
eaten by
European rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Rabbits may graze on the foliage, especially when tender.
Traits
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Biennial
Biennial plants complete their life cycle over two growing seasons, typically forming foliage in the first year and flowering/seeding in the second.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always ask an adult before touching or tasting any plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Alexanders?
The easiest way to identify Alexanders is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is Alexanders?
50-150 cm
How wide does Alexanders spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Alexanders?
0.2-0.4 cm
When does Alexanders bloom?
Spring to early summer (April-June)
Is Alexanders edible?
Yes
Is Alexanders toxic?
None
What is Alexanders's lifecycle?
Biennial
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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