Smyrnium olustratum -
Alexanders
This mainly coastal plant is a very early
blooming umbelifer, 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.
This Mediteranean plant was probably introduced to Britain
by the Romans, who may have used it as a general-purpose vegetable.
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.
Wildflowers of Wales
Dozens of beautiful seaside wildflowers are featured in the First Nature Guide to the
Wonderful Wildflowers of Wales, Volume 2 - Seashores and Coastal Cliffs.
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