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Wild Celery

Apium graveolens

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Apiales
Family:
Apiaceae (Carrot)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Biennial
Maximum Size:
1 metre tall
Habitats:
Fields, gardens, roadsides, saltmarshes, seaside.

Flower:
֍
White, 5 petals
 
The creamy-white flowers are produced in compact umbels, approximately 4cm wide. Flowers do not have upper or lower bracts. Pollinated by flies.
Fruit:
Green, rectangular in cross-section fruits, slightly grooved. The globular seeds are about 2mm in diameter. The seeds ripen in August and September.
Leaves:
The leaves are 1-pinnate and yellowish-green. The leaflets are large-toothed. The upper leaves are trefoil. Fluted, celery-like stems. Grows in brackish places, usually around the coast. Biennial or short-lived perennial.
Other Names:
Celery, Leaf Celery, Smallage.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Apium graveolens, also known as celery or smallage, is a species of flowering plant in the carrot family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated as a vegetable and spice. The plant is known for its thin, edible stems and leaves, which have a distinctive, aromatic flavor. It grows well in moist, well-drained soil and is often found in gardens, fields, and along roadsides. Apium graveolens is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. It is commonly cultivated for its edible stems and leaves, which are used in cooking as a vegetable or herb. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

Blog

Wild Celery (Apium graveolens) is a plant species belonging to the Apiaceae family, which is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a hardy biennial plant that grows up to 1-2 meters in height and produces delicate, feathery leaves that are highly fragrant. Wild Celery has been used for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes, and is a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes.

Culinary Uses of Wild Celery

In the kitchen, Wild Celery is most commonly used to add flavor to soups, stews, sauces, and broths. Its delicate flavor is a perfect complement to many dishes, and it is often used as a base for stocks and broths. The leaves and stalks of the plant can be chopped and added to salads, stir-fries, and other dishes, or used as a garnish. Wild Celery is also commonly used to make a herbal tea, which is believed to have soothing properties and is often consumed for its medicinal benefits.

Medicinal Properties of Wild Celery

Wild Celery has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years, and is believed to have a number of health benefits. It is believed to be a natural diuretic, and is often used to treat conditions such as urinary tract infections and water retention. The plant is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, making it useful in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

In addition to its traditional medicinal uses, recent research has also found that Wild Celery may have other health benefits. Some studies have shown that it may have a positive effect on heart health, as well as potentially reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.

Growing Wild Celery

Wild Celery is a hardy plant that is easy to grow, and can be grown in a variety of soils and climates. It is best planted in a sunny location, in well-draining soil, and is typically propagated from seeds. The plant can be grown as a biennial, with the first year being spent growing leaves and the second year producing flowers and seeds.

In conclusion, Wild Celery is a versatile and highly valued plant, with a rich history of use in traditional cooking and medicine. Whether used in the kitchen or for its medicinal benefits, Wild Celery is a plant that is sure to find a place in your garden.

More Information

Wild Celery is also known for its versatility in cooking. It is a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes, particularly in Europe and the Mediterranean region, where it has been used for thousands of years. In Italy, it is a key ingredient in the famous soup, Minestrone. In France, it is used in dishes such as bouillabaisse, a traditional fish stew. In the United Kingdom, it is a key ingredient in the classic dish, chicken soup.

One of the most interesting culinary uses of Wild Celery is as a “flavor enhancer.” Its delicate flavor profile is known to complement and enhance the flavors of other ingredients in a dish. This makes it a popular ingredient in many stocks and broths, where it can help to bring out the flavors of other ingredients, such as chicken, beef, or vegetables.

In addition to its culinary uses, Wild Celery is also popular for its health benefits. It is known to be a natural diuretic, which can help to flush out toxins from the body and improve overall health. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, which can help to relieve pain and discomfort associated with conditions such as arthritis, menstrual cramps, and digestive problems.

Wild Celery is a relatively easy plant to grow and can be grown in a variety of soils and climates. It is best planted in a sunny location and well-draining soil. It is typically propagated from seeds, and can be grown as a biennial, with the first year being spent growing leaves and the second year producing flowers and seeds.

Wild Celery is a versatile and highly valued plant that has a rich history of use in both cooking and medicine. Whether used in the kitchen or for its health benefits, Wild Celery is a plant that is sure to find a place in your garden and in your life. So, next time you are looking for a unique flavor enhancer or an herbal remedy, consider the many benefits of Wild Celery.

Wild Celery is also a valuable source of nutrients, providing a range of vitamins and minerals essential for good health. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, Wild Celery has also been used in traditional medicine for its calming and relaxing properties. Its natural compounds, such as apigenin and linoleic acid, are believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, making it an ideal natural remedy for stress and anxiety.

Wild Celery is also known for its ability to improve digestive health. Its high fiber content can help to promote healthy digestion and prevent digestive problems, such as constipation and bloating. It is also believed to have a soothing effect on the digestive system, making it a natural remedy for digestive complaints such as acid reflux and indigestion.

Finally, Wild Celery is a great choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant. It is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to grow, and requires minimal care. It is also a great choice for wildlife gardens, as it is a popular food source for many birds and insects.

In conclusion, Wild Celery is a versatile and highly valued plant that has a rich history of use in cooking, medicine, and gardening. Whether used in the kitchen, for its health benefits, or in the garden, Wild Celery is a plant that is sure to bring value to your life. So, next time you are looking for a unique flavor enhancer, an herbal remedy, or a low-maintenance plant, consider the many benefits of Wild Celery.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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