Smyrnium perfoliatum
perfoliate alexanders
An upright biennial with stout, ribbed stems, green basal leaves up to 20cm long, and shorter, bright, yellow-green upper leaves joined to surround the stem. Open sprays of tiny, yellow-green flowers are produced in the second spring
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Colour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green Yellow | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | |||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
Aspect
Exposure
Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Smyrnium are erect, branching biennials with broadly oblong, divided lower leaves and rounded upper leaves. In late spring and early summer they produce branched umbels of small, greenish-yellow flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, N Africa, Turkey, Caucasus
How to grow
Cultivation
This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive non-native species. Although not banned from sale, it is an offence to plant or cause these to grow in the wild IN ENGLAND AND WALES. Gardeners possessing them should undertake measures to control them. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information
Propagation
Please see cultivation notes
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.