Apium graveolens, L.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1981, Flora Europaea. Volume 2. Rosaceae to Umbelliferae, Cambridge University Press : 351

1. A. graveolens L. , Sp. Pl. 264 (1753) .

Stout biennial up to 100 cm, with a strong, characteristic smell. Stem sulcate, solid. Leaves 1- to 2-pinnate; segments 5-50 mm, deflate, rhombic or lanceolate, lobed and serrate or almost crenate. Umbels mostly shortly pedunculate or sessile, often leaf-opposed. Rays 4-12. Bracts and bracteoles absent. Fruit 1-5-2 mm, broadly ovoid. Damp places, usually near the sea. Coasts o f Europe northwards to c. 56° N. Al Au Az Be BI Br Bu Co Cr Da Ga Ge G r Hb Ho Hs It Ju Lu Po Rm Rs (W, K, E) Sa Si [Cz Fe He Hu No Su].

Several varieties are widely cultivated for the edible petioles (celery), leaves or roots, and are locally naturalized.