Pepper saxifrage (Silaum silaus, Vierteljahrsschr. Naturf. Ges. Zürich 60: 359 (1915))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: (L.) Schinz & Thell.

Bibliography: Vierteljahrsschr. Naturf. Ges. Zürich 60: 359 (1915)

Year: 1915

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Silaum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to SW. Siberia and C. Asia

Description

Pepper saxifrage, scientifically known as Silaum silaus, is a perennial plant that is notable for its subtle beauty and versatility. Belonging to the Apiaceae family, which also includes well-known plants like carrots and parsley, Pepper saxifrage can primarily be found stretching from various parts of Europe to southwestern Siberia and central Asia.

Pepper saxifrage typically thrives in meadows, grasslands, and other open environments where it can receive ample sunlight. Its adaptability to a diverse range of climates highlights its resilience and robust nature. The plant is characterized by its thin, erect stems and finely divided leaves that give it a delicate appearance.

During the blooming season, Pepper saxifrage produces clusters of small, yellowish flowers. These blossoms are arranged in umbels, which is a distinctive feature of many members of the Apiaceae family. The flowers not only add a touch of lightness and color to the plant but also attract various pollinators, playing a crucial role in the local ecosystem.

Pepper saxifrage has been documented and studied extensively, with notable references including its mention in the “Vierteljahrsschrift der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft in Zürich” back in 1915 by botanists Schinz and Thellung. This demonstrates the plant’s long-standing presence in botanical literature and its significance in studies related to flora biodiversity.

Beyond its ecological importance, Pepper saxifrage holds value in traditional uses. While not a major culinary herb, its roots have occasionally been used in folk medicine, though with caution due to the presence of certain compounds common to its family which may require careful handling.

Overall, Pepper saxifrage is a resilient and ecologically significant plant that adds diversity and interest to the regions it inhabits. Its rich history of study and modest appearance make it a worthwhile subject for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Dan: peberskærm
Deu: rossfenchel, rosskümmel, wiesen-silau, wiesen-silge
Eng: pepper saxifrage, pepper-saxifrage
Fra: silaüs des prés
Nld: weidekervel
Nno: engkjeks
Nob: engkjeks
Swe: ängssilja
Cym: ffenigl y moch, ffenigl yr hwch, pyglys
En: Pepper saxifrage, Pepper-saxifrage
Ca: Sílaum
Da: Peberskærm
Nl: Weidekervel
Fr: Silaüs des prés, Cumin des prés, Silaüs jaunâtre, Silaum des prés
De: Rossfenchel, Rosskümmel, Wiesen-Silau, Wiesen-Silge, Roßkümmel, Silau, Wiesensilge
It: Silao
Nb: Engkjeks
Nn: Engkjeks
Sv: Ängssilja
Cy: Ffenigl y Moch, Ffenigl yr Hwch, Pyglys

Synonyms

• Seseli selinoides (Jacq.)
• Peucedanum serotinum (Pers.)
• Silaus pratensis ((Crantz) Besser ex Schult.)
• Peucedanum trilobatum (Gilib.)
• Silaum serotinum ((Pers.) M.Hiroe)
• Ligusticum arenarium (Link)
• Silaus gracilis (Bunge)
• Silaus alpestris ((L.) Besser ex Schult.)
• Silaum alpestre ((L.) Thell.)
• Ligusticum alpestre (Calest.)
• Cnidium silaus ((L.) Spreng.)
• Peucedanum pratense ((Crantz) Lam.)
• Silaus serotinus (Rchb.)
• Seseli pratense (Crantz)
• Silaum silaus var. latissimum (Reduron)
• Ligusticum silaus ((L.) Vill.)
• Silaum tenuifolium ((DC.) Reduron)
• Crithmum silaus ((L.) Wibel)
• Sium silaus ((L.) Roth)
• Selinum alpestre ((L.) Crantz)
• Silaus flavescens (Bernh.)
• Peucedanum matthioli (Spreng.)
• Meum silaus ((L.) Baill.)
• Silaus tenuifolius (DC.)
• Silaus besseri (DC.)
• Meum sibiricum (Spreng.)
• Silaus silaus ((L.) H.Karst.)
• Cnidium silaus var. angustifolium (Wallr.)
• Silaus selinoides ((Jacq.) Halácsy)
• Peucedanum silaus (L.)
• Silaum besseri ((DC.) Grossh.)
• Cnidium pratense ((Crantz) Bubani)
• Cnidium silaus var. latifolium (Wallr.)
• Silaus matthioli (W.D.J.Koch)
• Peucedanum flavum (Salisb.)
• Silaum flavescens ((Bernh.) Hayek)
• Saxifraga magna (Garsault)
• Selinum silaus ((L.) Crantz)
• Silaum silaus var. angustifolium ((Wallr.) Thell.)
• Silaus flavescens var. latisectus (Beck)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by Francine Lalanne (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2007 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Martine (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by Francine Lalanne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2022 by david matheson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2019 by Peter Vohwinkel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Karlo Müller (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Karlo Müller (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 29, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Claude Viquesnel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by mike (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Steven Law (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2022 by Pour Demos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2020 by Frédéric Michenet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 5, 1873 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6027388)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:848813-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Silaum silaus (L.) Schinz & Thell.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Soil nutriments: 3