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
Alexanders
aromatic trait badgeflowering trait badgebiennial trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
Alexanders

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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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

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 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

How is Alexanders pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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