Peucedanum cervaria explained

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

Description

Peucedanum cervaria reaches on average 40- 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.[1]

This plant has its overwintering buds situated just below the soil surface (hemicryptophyte) and an almost leafless stalk growing directly from the ground (scapose).[2] 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.[3]

Habitat

Peucedanum cervaria grows singly or in loose groups on light-rich, chalky, dry places, occasionally in semi-arid grassland, at an altitude of 0to above sea level.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Pignatti S. - Flora d'Italia – Edagricole – 1982, Vol. II, p. 232
  2. http://luirig.altervista.org/flora/taxa/index1.php?scientific-name=peucedanum+cervaria Altervista
  3. Tutin, T.G. et al. - Flora Europaea, second edition - 1993 Peucedanum