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wild celery
Scientific Name: Apium graveolens
Family: Apiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Wild Celery: A Botanical Overview
The term "wild celery" is a common name applied to several different plants. This page explores various species referred to as wild celery, highlighting their unique characteristics and potential interactions.
Considerations for Pets
- Apium graveolens (wild celery) when crushed releases volatile oils and smells strongly of celery.
Considerations for Children
- Apium graveolens (wild celery) when crushed releases volatile oils and smells strongly of celery.
Scientific Names and Common Names
- Levisticum officinale: Sometimes known as wild celery.
- Trachyspermum roxburghianum: A plant used as food.
- Vallisneria americana: Commonly called wild celery, water-celery, tape grass, or eelgrass.
- Angelica archangelica: Common names include Angelica, garden angelica, wild celery, Norwegian angelica, Herb of the Holy Spirit, Holy ghost.
- Apium graveolens: Referred to as wild celery and smallage (archaic name).
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Vallisneria americana
- Family: Hydrocharitaceae ("tape-grasses")
- Apium graveolens
- Family: Apiaceae
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank (Variety): Variety
- Synonym: Apium dulce Mill., Celeri graveolens (L.) Britton
- Angelica archangelica
- Also known as Angelica sylvestris
Distribution and Habitat
- Vallisneria americana: Found in lakes. Widespread in low-salinity estuarine areas. Until 2002, it was the most abundant submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in Cocktown Creek in the Fall season.
- Apium graveolens: Apparently native to much of Europe, North Africa, Siberia, and the Caucasus. It has been introduced throughout much of the world. The wild form grows abundantly in the UK, in semi-shaded conditions. Scattered throughout California to about 500 feet (150 m).
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Vallisneria americana: A bay grass with long, ribbon-like leaves that have a light green stripe running down the center. It grows in fresh and slightly brackish waters. It is a submergent plant usually found growing in water from 2.75-6 feet, often in firm substrate.
- Apium graveolens: A biennial herb growing to 1m (3ft), smelling strongly of celery when crushed from the release of volatile oils. The wild variety (smallage) is very leafy, with thin hollow stalks and can grow up to 3 feet (1 metre) tall.
Ecological Role
- Vallisneria americana: Provides many benefits to underwater organisms, offering excellent fish habitat in the form of shade, shelter, and feeding opportunities for bluegills and young perch. It is a common species of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) that is widespread in low-salinity estuarine areas. It can coexist with hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata).
- Loss of wild celery can rob young fish and shrimp of habitat.
Uses
- Apium graveolens is gathered and eaten in many parts of the world. It was first cultivated long ago. The entire plant of wild celery found in salt-water marshes is used as a diuretic and to support bronchial expectorations.
- Wild Celery soup is an alternative to the traditional one served after sunset during Ramadan in Morocco.
- Sold in Asian markets as kun choi or kin tsai.
Quirky Facts
- Canvasbacks, Red heads, Blue bills, Mallards and many other wild ducks darken the sky in the fall over wild celery beds.
Further Information
- http://bayville.thinkport.org
- Collins English Dictionary online.