Alexanders

Latin Name:

Smyrnium olusatrum

Manx Name:

lus yn ollee

Season:

April - June

Locations where this species is found:
Silverburn River Bradda Head Fleshwick Port Grenaugh Silverdale Glen Glen Maye South Barrule Scarlett Point Glen Mooar Glen Helen Port St Mary Niarbyl

This plant is native to the Mediterranean, but has been introduced all over Europe. It is edible and was once used in many recipes, and was especially common in monastery gardens.

Alexanders can be found all over the island. Their Manx name is "lus yn ollee", which means "plant of cattle", perhaps chosen because cows and horses enjoy eating this plant.

Although Alexanders are edible, there are deadly poisonous plants that have a similar appearance, so I would not recommend eating them even if you are confident of your identification.
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