Skirret (Sium sisarum)

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Sium sisarum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from March to November, in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet and floury but with a small woody core. — Root - raw or cooked.; Firm, sweet and floury but with a small woody core.; The roots have a very acceptable taste raw, that is somewhat like a cross between carrots and parsnip but with a nutty flavour.; They can also be boiled, baked or added to soups etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in a truly wild situation but found as an escape from cultivation in damp places. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)