Peucedanum cervaria

Peucedanum cervaria is a herbaceous plant in the genus Peucedanum belonging to the carrot family Apiaceae.

Description

Peucedanum cervaria reaches on average in height, with a maximum of. The stems are cylindrical, glabrous and erect. They are more or less branched and the leaves are slightly blue-green and two to three times pinnatifid. The large umbels have 9 to 30 rays bearing small white flowers. The flowering period extends from July through September in their native habitat.
This plant has its overwintering buds situated just below the soil surface and an almost leafless stalk growing directly from the ground. The fruits are oval, about 4 to 6 mm long and 3 to 4 mm wide, with narrow marginal ridges.

Distribution

This plant is a sub-Mediterranean species widespread in southern and central Europe, from Spain, Italy and the Balkan Peninsula up to central Russia.

Habitat

Peucedanum cervaria grows singly or in loose groups on light-rich, chalky, dry places, occasionally in semi-arid grassland, at an altitude of above sea level.