Seseli libanotis

Moon Carrot Apiaceae

A handsome and rather underused European umbellifer, Seseli libanotis, commonly known as Moon Carrot, is a usually biennial or short-lived monocarpic perennial forming a substantial rosette of finely divided, dark green foliage before sending up strong, branching stems topped with broad, airy umbels of small white flowers, often flushed with pink. Native across much of Europe and extending eastwards into Asia, it is a plant of dry grassland, rocky slopes, open woodland and particularly calcareous habitats. In Britain it is a scarce plant associated largely with chalk grassland, including the Chilterns and South Downs.

Like many of the more elegant umbellifers, its great virtue is the combination of finely divided foliage and tall, open flowering stems, creating a wonderfully light, see-through effect amongst grasses and other perennials. The plant is monocarpic: after flowering and producing its seed it normally dies, but this is easily compensated for by allowing it to self-sow where conditions suit. In the wild, this life strategy is an important part of its ecology, and in cultivation it can give the planting a pleasantly naturalistic, slightly unpredictable quality.

In cultivation Seseli libanotis is best treated as a plant for the sunny, well-drained garden. It favours chalky or alkaline soils, although it is adaptable provided drainage is good, and is particularly well suited to gravel gardens, dry borders, prairie-style planting and naturalistic schemes. Avoid excessively rich or permanently wet soil. Once established it is tolerant of dry conditions and its flowering stems provide excellent late-season structure. The flowers are also attractive to a variety of pollinating insects. 

Height: 50–120 cm
Spread: 30–60 cm
Flowering: July–August
Hardiness: H5, approximately –15 to –10°C
Growing conditions: Well-drained, preferably alkaline or neutral soil; full sun. Particularly good on chalk or limestone. Avoid winter waterlogging and excessive fertility.
Range: Europe through northern and central Eurasia, extending eastwards into Siberia and parts of western Asia.
Habit: Usually biennial or short-lived monocarpic perennial; flowers once and normally dies after setting seed.
Wildlife: The open umbels provide nectar and pollen for a range of flower-visiting insects.
Ethnobotany: The roots and leaves have been used traditionally, including as a food and in folk medicine.
Conservation: A scarce native plant in Britain, principally associated with chalk grassland.
Common name: Moon Carrot; Mountain Spignel.