Umbellifers...

[Jason Green]

Hi all,

...right, this is going to be me, once again embarrassing myself in the Flower forum!

Umbellifers. I know they are excellent attractants of a good range of nectar-loving insects, but what is an 'Umbellifer', exactly - is it a flower in it's own right, or a generic term for similar flowers such as Cow Parsely, Angellica, etc.?

Which umbellifery-thing would be best grown in a wide but narrow garden trough, specifically for the purpose of attracting insects? I've kind of realised a lot of the insects I've seen there last year haven't been specifically nectar-types, and I'd like the added biodiversity of them.

I assume you can buy it in a garden centre or something - when are they best planted from seed? Oh, and one last thing - how do you stop it 'invading', setting seed, etc.? I wouldn't want it getting out of control, but just grown in a free-standing trough.

Ahhh... that wasn't my usual self-embarrassing standard I hope - I always seem to do that in this one

Take care,

Jason

[davidbr]

Umbellifer is the name of a family of plants, usually more commonly called the Carrot family - it includes vegetables such as Carrot, Garden Parsley, Celery etc, and common weeds like Cow Parsley, Hogweed, Pignut etc. The distinguishing characteristic is that the flowers are arranged in a flat-topped, umbrella-like formation, the "umbel" hence the name.

The ones that are grown in gardens tend to be cultivated for culinary purposes (Coriander and Angelica, for example), I don't know of too many ornamentals. Apart from the Eryngiums, sea-hollies, or Astrantia (Astrantia major), but I've no idea whether they're popular with insects. Some of the herb species are quite attractive, though; Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) would probably be a good one, Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) too. You might find you'd have to buy them from specialist suppliers; there are usually a few easily found on the internet.

[Jason Green]

Ah, thanks David! So, what is the fairly big common thing you see as a weed in grassland and meadows then, the one full of insect life?

Maybe I could post this in the 'Insects and Invertebrates' board too, in case another member wanting insects has tried it.

Thanks for the quick and comprehensive reply!

[Dutchess]

Angelica and Fennel both are regulars in my herb garden and attract hoverflies (!!) and soldier beetles, especially. The thing is, both are fairly tall, and I can't imagine them thriving too well in containers. They'd certainly need staking.

Both are easily found in garden centres and nurseries

D.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Ah, thanks David! So, what is the fairly big common thing you see as a weed in grassland and meadows then, the one full of insect life?

Maybe I could post this in the 'Insects and Invertebrates' board too, in case another member wanting insects has tried it.

Thanks for the quick and comprehensive reply!

The plant you are thinking of is probably Hogweed which is abundant + attractive to lots of Diptera, Hymenopotera + often see longhorn beetles on it too. Fennel is often recommended for attracting hoverflies (you can get a nice bronze leaved form for the garden, which occasionally occurs as an escape).

An umbellifer which is sometimes sold in annual mixes is Amni majus + also makes a good cut flower.

The umbellifer family is now known as the Apiaceae, though I prefer the old Umbelliferae as it is so much more descriptive of the typical flower form.

[Tiggrx]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

So, what is the fairly big common thing you see as a weed in grassland and meadows then, the one full of insect life?

You're probably thinking of Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium)

[AshLee]

Hi Jason,

I grow Fennel in pots (originally I wanted bulbs, but I didn't get the conditions right and I now just keep it for its flowers). Readily available and easily propagated from seed it should grow in your container, so you could give it a go (they say the bigger the pot the better, but just try it and see - what do you have to lose? Or grow it in its own pot, ideally a foot wide and deep, or more).

If you are a gardening novice it might be as well to point out that it might only produce flowers in its second year. I believe it is perennial, although how long-lived it is, I do not know yet. I cannot remember what month I planted the seeds, but instructions will be on the packet

I have been experimenting with wild carrot too.

Piccy from the Gallery I hasten to add

I found some seed in the wild, chucked it in a pot and waited to see what would happen. Well, germination was not a problem, but it looked a bit out of place in its container, and a bit weak and weary too. I transplanted it into the wild flower garden last summer and waited to see what would happen. I thought it had died, but I saw it again a few weeks back You never know........ Gorgeous plant this one.

Anyway, fingers crossed for you

Ash

[loripo]

Monty Don's suggstion for containers...
Dill is very much a summer herb and does not transplant well, so is best sown directly where it is to grow. Like all umbellifers, it is an excellent plant for attracting hoverflies, which in turn will eat aphids.

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

The plant you are thinking of is probably Hogweed which is abundant + attractive to lots of Diptera, Hymenopotera + often see longhorn beetles on it too.

That sounds like the one! I've seen the attractive Rutpela maculata on one.

Right, so could it be planted in a large container to prevent/restrict spread? It's just that I don't know of any permanent location for one to be planted. I've also heard the sap is associated with rashes and UV over sensitivity - it isn't a concern, you don't have to touch it at least without gloves - but just wanted an informed view as it's easy to read OTT/disclaiming reports elsewhere on the 'Net!

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

That sounds like the one! I've seen the attractive Rutpela maculata on one.

Right, so could it be planted in a large container to prevent/restrict spread? It's just that I don't know of any permanent location for one to be planted. I've also heard the sap is associated with rashes and UV over sensitivity - it isn't a concern, you don't have to touch it at least without gloves - but just wanted an informed view as it's easy to read OTT/disclaiming reports elsewhere on the 'Net!

I think the non-native Giant Hogweed is worse for these allergic reactions. I've never had a problem brushing against Hogweed + I live in shorts for over half the year. If you wear gloves when cutting it there shouldn't be any problems.

Wild Parsnip (also a good insect attactor) can also induce a photosensitive allergic reaction in some people.