Photographs: Bantry, Co. Cork

Alexanders Smyrnium olusatrum Lusrán grándubh Family: Apiaceae Flowering time: February-June. Biennial. Possibly introduced. Yellow-green flowers in many-rayed umbels followed by ridged, globular fruit. Shiny dark green leaves, trifoliate basal leaves with stalked leaflets and 3-lobed terminal leaflet. Celery-scented, hairless plant to 120cm tall Widespread and established on waste ground, roadsides and cliffs. Most frequent near south and east coasts but range is increasing Similar: Wild Parsnip, Pastinaca sativa is the only other umbellifer with yellow flowers. Rare in Ireland and prefers calcareous soils

Alexanders, Smyrnium olusatrum, Lusrán grándubh