Smyrnium olusatrum - Alexanders - (Apiaceae)

This mainly coastal plant is a very early blooming member of the Apiaceae family, and you will see swathes of it in springtime along hedgerows and on the slopes leading down to sheltered coves. The umbrella-like yellow flower heads open in April, and by July the seeds are beginning to ripen and turn dark brown.

Alexanders

This Mediterranean plant was probably introduced to Britain by the Romans, who may have used it as a general-purpose vegetable.

Closeup of Alexanders

Alexanders and many other umbellifers are members of the carrot family. The most common of the umbellifers in Britain is cow parsley, while in some areas hogweed comes a close second.

The pictures on this page were taken in West Wales in April.