Smyrnium

Black Loveage, Horse Parsley and Alexanders; these are all common names for this herb. At one time, Alexanders were grown as a major culinary and medicinal plant, but are now hardly seen in today's herb garden. This biennial is large and resembles celery. They grow from 3 to 5 feet high and their dark stems are topped by glossy, 3-part leaves and bunches of white flowers. The leaves, stems, flowers and seed buds may all be eaten.

Pot Cultivation

These plants need to be watered and fed often. When the plants are a foot tall, snap off the outer stems and leaves and cook them like celery. In mid-season, prune the stems to keep the plants 2 feet tall or lower. In the fall, cover them with tall baskets to blanch the leaves and stem tips; this makes them sweet and tender and they are good in salads. The stems can be cooked like asparagus.

Propagation

Start seeds outdoors in shaded beds in late summer. Transplant the seedlings to a sunny area in the fall. Mulch the seedlings in regions with harsh winters. The following year, mulch and water the seedlings often.

S. olusatrum.

VARIETIES

• S. olusatrum.