Alexanders is a
non-native
biennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in waste ground, hedgerows and coastal areas, to a mature height of up to 150cm.
Alexanders is named after the Egyptian city of Alexandria, where in ancient times it was commonly used in cooking. Alexanders is believed to have been introduced into the UK by the Romans as a food source. The leaves are bitter and parsely-like in flavour.
Botanic classification and naming: Alexanders is a member of the Carrot (Apiaceae) family. The genus name
'Smyrnium' identifies the plant as a Alexanders and its species name 'olusatrum' means 'black herb (seeds)'.
Concerns: Alexanders has dense foliage and grows vigorously. Unchecked it may exclude other plants.
Benefits: Alexanders is pollinated by bees and hoverflies.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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