Alexanders

Smyrnium olusatrum

GreensIN SEASON

Alexanders

Smyrnium olusatrum

Must cookJan–MayGreens

Coastal paths, hedgerows, roadsides, waste ground

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All Identification Points

Glossy dark green leaves, divided into 3 segments

Yellow-green umbel flower clusters in early spring

Robust grooved hollow stems

Smells like celery or parsley when crushed

Seeds turn black when ripe

Harvest Notes

Young stems and leaf stalks in late winter and early spring. Roots can be harvested in autumn.

Uses

Stems can be candied, steamed like asparagus, or added to soups and stews.

Equipment Needed

Knife, container.

Storage

Use within 3 days. Stems keep better if kept upright in water.

Lookalikes

Hemlock (Conium maculatum) — DEADLY. Hemlock stems have purple spots and a mousy smell. Alexanders leaves are much glossier and smell like celery.

Relative Nutrition

Protein
Vitamin C
Iron
Personal foraging permitted under the Theft Act 1968. Never uproot plants without landowner permission. Always use multiple identification methods before consuming any wild food.