Winter Umbellifer in York

[KeenTeen17]

I was greatly surprised to find this in flower in the middle of winter in the middle of a city. I am pretty sure its not a parsley or wild celery because it didn't smell at all when the leaves were crushed.



Also is this a snapdragon? Also in flower now!

[leifus]

1 I KNOW THIS but can't remember the name so I'll have a think and get back to you

2 yes or some sort of escaped toadflax

[Tiggrx]

The 'snapdragon' is Nemesia fruticosa.

[Susie]

If you give that Nemesia a sniff it should have a lovely fragrance.

[KeenTeen17]

is there an english name for the nemesia? should I count it as a species on my list because it was growing out of a ROOF

also if it helps. heres a photo of the leaves of the carrot. is stone parsley an idea?
Parsley, Stone

[Tiggrx]

I don't know an English name for the Nemesia and actually gave you the wrong latin name - it should be Nemesia fruticans. I found it last year growing out of a wall here in London.

As for the umbellifer I'm sure I recognise it but it's not quite coming to mind. It is not Stone Parsley which has much more sparse umbels and also a very distinctive smell (a bit petrol like) when crushed.

[KeenTeen17]

Originally Posted by Tiggrx

I don't know an English name for the Nemesia and actually gave you the wrong latin name - it should be Nemesia fruticans. I found it last year growing out of a wall here in London.

As for the umbellifer I'm sure I recognise it but it's not quite coming to mind. It is not Stone Parsley which has much more sparse umbels and also a very distinctive smell (a bit petrol like) when crushed.

thanks. this one didn't smell at all so we can rule out that one. Well it can't be

• fools parsley
• cow parsley
• stone parsley
• wild carrot
• upright hedge parsley
• water parsnips
• milk parsley
• wild celery
• garden celery

[KeenTeen17]

would Scots Lovage be an idea. because the leaves seem quite similar.
Scots Lovage

[KeenTeen17]

or maybe rough chervil
Rough Chervi

[Tiggrx]

Originally Posted by KeenTeen17

would Scots Lovage be an idea. because the leaves seem quite similar.
Scots Lovage

Certainly not in York, I think the only county in England where you would find it is Northumberland.

Originally Posted by KeenTeen17

or maybe rough chervil
Rough Chervi

No, this is a paler, weaker looking plant with purple spotted stems.

This is turning into a real mystery. It may well be unidentifiable from the photo - fruits are generally one of the more important features in IDing umbels