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Uses

Toxic parts

If the plant is infected with the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[1]. This is more likely to happen to Caucasians[2].

Edible uses

Notes

Leaves - raw or cooked[3][4]. Mainly used as a flavouring in soups etc[5][6][7][8]. They can be eaten raw but have a very strong flavour[3]. They are toxic if consumed in large amounts[9].

Seed - a flavouring. Used in small quantities to flavour soups and stews[9]. An essential oil from the seed is also used as a flavouring[8][4].

Root - cooked[10].

Unknown part

Leaves

Material uses

The growing plant is an insect repellent, it repels the cabbage white butterfly so is a good companion for brassicas[11].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

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[9].

The ripe seeds, herb and root are aperient, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, nervine, stimulant and tonic[12][6][13][14]. Wild celery is said to be useful in cases of hysteria, promoting restfulness and sleep and diffusing through the system a mild sustaining influence[12]. The herb should not be prescribed for pregnant women[9]. Seeds purchased for cultivation purposes are often dressed with a fungicide, they should not be used for medicinal purposes[9]. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried[9]. The whole plant is harvested when fruiting and is usually liquidized to extract the juice[9]. The seeds are harvested as they ripen and are dried for later use[9]. 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[15].

A homeopathic remedy is made from the herb[7]. It is used in treating rheumatism and kidney complaints[7].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

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[16].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Apium graveolens. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a rich moist soil in sun or semi-shade[9], but with some shade in the summer[3]. It is tolerant of saline soils[9].

The plants are fairly hardy, though they can be damaged by hard frosts[9]. 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[17].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Apium graveolens. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Apium graveolens.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Apium graveolens
Genus
Apium
Family
Umbelliferae
Imported References
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
6
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
Shade
partial shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
  • Salinity
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
?
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
Fertility
Pollinators
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type

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References

  1. ? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
  2. ? Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Larkcom. J. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn (1980-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.14.2 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.1 Mabey. R. Food for Free. Collins ISBN 0-00-219060-5 (1974-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.4 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.18.2 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
  9. ? 9.009.019.029.039.049.059.069.079.089.099.109.119.12 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  10. ? 10.010.1 Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation (1968-00-00)
  11. ? 11.011.1 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)
  12. ? 12.012.112.2 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.1 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
  14. ? 14.014.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
  15. ? 15.015.1 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
  16. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  17. ? Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (1979-00-00)
  18. ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)
  19. ? Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)

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