Apium graveolens
| Apium graveolens | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 6 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Life Cycle: | Biennial |
| Height: | 2' |
| Width: | 1' |
| Blooms: | Early Summer-Late Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Apium graveolens (common name: wild celery)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ. If seed is in short supply it can be sown in a cold frame in spring. The seed can harbour certain diseases of celery, it is usually treated by seed companies before being sold but if you save your own seed you should make sure that only seed from healthy plants is used[1].
Cultivation: Prefers a rich moist soil in sun or semi-shade[2], but with some shade in the summer[3]. It is tolerant of saline soils[2].
The plants are fairly hardy, though they can be damaged by hard frosts[2].
Wild celery is the parent of the cultivated celery (A. graveolens dulce) as well as celery leaf (A. graveolens secalinum) and celeriac (A. graveolens rapaceum). This entry only deals with the wild celery, the other plants are dealt with separately.
A very aromatic plant, the aroma being most noticeable when the foliage is bruised. The growing plant is a good companion for leeks, tomatoes, French beans and brassicas[4].
Range: Central and southern Europe, including Britain, to temperate areas of Africa and Asia.
Habitat: Ditches, by rivers and in other damp locations, especially near the sea in salt marshes[5][6][7].
Edibility: Leaves - raw or cooked[3][8]. Mainly used as a flavouring in soups etc[9][10][5][11]. They can be eaten raw but have a very strong flavour[3]. They are toxic if consumed in large amounts[2].
Seed - a flavouring. Used in small quantities to flavour soups and stews[2]. An essential oil from the seed is also used as a flavouring[11][8].
Root - cooked[12].
Medicinal: Wild celery has a long history of medicinal and food use. it is an aromatic bitter tonic herb that reduces blood pressure, relieves indigestion, stimulates the uterus and is anti-inflammatory[2].
The ripe seeds, herb and root are aperient, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, nervine, stimulant and tonic[13][10][14][15]. Wild celery is said to be useful in cases of hysteria, promoting restfulness and sleep and diffusing through the system a mild sustaining influence[13]. The herb should not be prescribed for pregnant women[2]. Seeds purchased for cultivation purposes are often dressed with a fungicide, they should not be used for medicinal purposes[2].
The root is harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried[2]. The whole plant is harvested when fruiting and is usually liquidized to extract the juice[2]. The seeds are harvested as they ripen and are dried for later use[2].
An essential oil obtained from the plant has a calming effect on the central nervous system. Some of its constituents have antispasmodic, sedative and anticonvulsant actions. It has been shown to be of value in treating high blood pressure[16].
A homeopathic remedy is made from the herb[5]. It is used in treating rheumatism and kidney complaints[5].
Usage: The growing plant is an insect repellent, it repels the cabbage white butterfly so is a good companion for brassicas[17].
Pollinators: Flies, self
Habit: Biennial
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Seed Ripens: Late Summer-Early Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: If the plant is infected with the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[18]. This is more likely to happen to Caucasians[19].
Links
References
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Larkcom, Joy. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn, 1980.
- ↑ Philbrick, Helen and Richard Gregg. Companion Plants. Watkins, 1979.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Launert, Edmund. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn, 1981.
- ↑ Clapham, Arthur and Tom Tootin, Edmund Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, 1962.
- ↑ Polunin, Oleg. Flowers of Europe. Oxford University Press, 1969.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Tanaka, Tyōzaburō. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing, 1976.
- ↑ Mabey, Richard. Food for Free. Collins, 1974.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Chiej, Roberto. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald, 1984.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Komarov, Vladimir. Flora of the USSR. Gantner Verlag, 1968.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ Lust, John. The Herb Book. Bantam Books, 1983.
- ↑ Mills, Simon. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism.
- ↑ Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.
- ↑ Riotte, Louise. Carrots Love Tomatoes. Garden Way, 1978.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.
- ↑ Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.