Alexanders ( Smyrnium oleraceum )

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Family: Umbellferaceae Apiaceae

Data table

Distinctive biennial, introduced but now established on wasteground and verges. Widespread and locally common near coasts of England, Wales and Ireland. Leaves three times divided into dark green, shiny lobes. Yellowish flowers seen March to June. Height up to 1.25m.

This is one of the earliest 'umbrella' plants to come into flower. The flower heads resemble greeny yellow cauliflowers and the leaves are glossy. The plant often occurs alongside road particularly near the coast. It was brought into Britain by the Romans as a food plant.