Apiaceae
Silaum silaus: Edible Plant
Silaum silaus
This meadow perennial thrives best in full sun, in moist but well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline reaction. It does not tolerate shade or prolonged soil drying, and in poorer soil without fertilization, it blooms better and more abundantly.
Every 5 days
Direct sun
-20° - 30°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Silaum silaus?
Silaum silaus (Silaum silaus) is a easy-care plant from the Apiaceae family. Pepper-saxifrage (Silaum silaus) is a perennial plant from the Apiaceae family, the only species of the genus Silaum. It is widespread throughout Europe to western Siberia and also grows in Croatia, in moist, unmanaged meadows and pastures on clayey, neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Its stem grow...
Silaum silaus grows up to 1.0m, spread of 45cm, watering every 5 days, -20°C – 30°C, 50–80% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Silaum silaus tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Silaum silaus is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Silaum silaus?
TLDR: Silaum silaus needs Direct sun, watering every 5 days, and temperatures between -20-30°C with 50-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Silaum silaus?
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry summer months, but avoid permanent waterlogging of the roots.
How Much Light Does Silaum silaus Need?
Plant in a fully sunny location - it hardly grows in the shade.
What Is the Best Soil for Silaum silaus?
It thrives best in heavier, clay to loamy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH value (6-7.5); it also tolerates sandy soils if moisture is maintained.
What Pot Should You Use for Silaum silaus?
It is not a typical potted plant as it is a meadow species; however, if grown in a pot for meadow wildflower seeds, use a wide and deep pot (min. 30 cm) with drainage holes and a heavier, clay-loam mixture.
What Is Silaum silaus and Where Does It Come From?
Pepper-saxifrage (Silaum silaus) is a perennial plant from the Apiaceae family, the only species of the genus Silaum. It is widespread throughout Europe to western Siberia and also grows in Croatia, in moist, unmanaged meadows and pastures on clayey, neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Its stem grows up to 100 cm, and small yellowish flowers are gathered in umbellate inflorescences that bloom from June to August. Crushed parts of the plant emit an unpleasant hydrogen sulfide odor. It is considered an indicator species of old, traditionally maintained meadows.
How to Propagate Silaum silaus?
Seed
- Seeds germinate slowly and unevenly, so cold stratification during winter is desirable.
- Transplant young plants before they develop a long taproot, as pepper-saxifrage does not tolerate transplanting of mature specimens well.
- 1 Sowing
In early spring, sow seeds in a cold frame or outdoor seed tray.
- 2 Transplanting seedlings
Once seedlings are strong and large enough to handle, transplant them individually into pots.
- 3 Planting in a permanent location
Transplant to a permanent outdoor location in early summer, in a sunny and moist habitat.
Materials needed:
Division of clumps
- Divide only well-developed, older clumps to avoid weakening the plant.
- Water abundantly immediately after division to help the roots establish faster.
- 1 Selecting the clump
In early spring or early autumn, dig up a well-rooted, mature clump.
- 2 Dividing
Using a sharp knife or fork, divide the clump into sections, each with several shoots and healthy roots.
- 3 Transplanting
Immediately plant the divisions in a new location at a similar depth as before and water abundantly.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Silaum silaus Grow?
TLDR: Silaum silaus can reach up to 1.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.0m
Spread
45cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Culinary Uses
- Young, tender leaves can be cooked and eaten as a tart green vegetable (a type of "potherb"), similar to fennel.
- In traditional English cuisine, it was occasionally used as a wild edible herb from meadows and pastures.
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Silaum silaus?
TLDR: Silaum silaus is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Rust
Rust is a common fungal disease caused by fungi in the order Pucciniales that affects a wide variety of plants. The disease gets its name from the characteristic orange, yellow, or reddish-brown pustules that appear on leaves, resembling metal rust. This obligate fungal parasite requires living plants to survive and can cause significant economic losses in agricultural crops.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on plant tissue, causing irregular holes in leaves and damage to young seedlings. They are most active at night and in moist conditions, leaving characteristic silvery slime trails. These pests can quickly devastate gardens, especially during wet seasons.
Meaning & Symbolism
As an indicator species of untouched, traditionally mown meadows, pepper-saxifrage symbolizes preserved rural landscape heritage and grassland biodiversity.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
