Smyrnium rotundifolium

A lovely golden leafed Mediterranean shade plant that has also become quite popular in British gardens. Smyrnium means "Myrrh scented" and many gardeners think that the plants and especially the seeds have the scent of myrrh. It looks particularly attractive in dappled shade from trees and mixed with other shade lovers like Myosotis (Forget-me-nots). In classic Mediterranean fashion it goes dormant in the summer, but not to worry. It has a tiny tuber that will sprout back when the rains return in winter or spring. After 2-4 years it sends up delicate 22” flowers stalks with cool yellow greenish Queen Ann’s lace type flowers. It dies after blooming, but it will reseed to create drifts of new plants. As with many non-native self-seeders, avoid growing it next to natural areas. Provide average water during the growing season.