Flowering Plants in Britain - Umbels
Flowering plants of the Umbelliferae, or Carrot family are instantly recognisable by the characteristic structure of the inflorescence or flower head. A wealth of attractive names adorns the British species of this plant family. For example, you may expect to find Cow Parsley, Sweet Cicely, Alexanders, Hare's Bar, Pignut, Goutweed, Hogweed and Samphire in suitable habitats.
A great deal of perfumery interest can also be attached to the Umbels. Members of the family are cultivated for the purpose of extraction of the essential oils, which are chiefly distilled from the seeds. Carrot Seed, Parsley Seed, Caraway Seed, Celery Seed, Fennel Seed, Lovage Root, Angelica Seed and Root, Coriander Seed and Galbanum Resin all have distinctive essential oils. It is perhaps not coincidence that these oils are never used in perfumery in high concentrations. The primary function of the above oils in perfumery is in the role of modifiers and the use of Angelica Seed Oil in Eau de Cologne types, Fennel Seed Oil in fougeres and Coriander Seed Oil in floral accords can be quoted as examples.
In Britain, Wild Carrot, Wild Angelica, Fennel and Caraway are all fairly frequent and sometimes locally common. However, this large group of over forty British species contains other odorous plants which are not so well known. Sweet Cicely, flowering in early summer in the north of England is strongly 'aromatic' with a scent of aniseed. Stone Parsley, when crushed has an acrid aroma akin to nutmeg and petrol. Both of these aromatic herbs have white flowers. White, pale yellow or faint pink are the predominant flower colours of the Umbels.
In Spring, as the roadsides and hedgerows become profuse with fresh, verdant foliage, the delicate, feathery - white flowers of Cow Parsley crown the greenery as the days become warmer.
The aroma from a hedgerow of Cow Parsley is quite overpowering with a diffuse heady anisic scent having a distinct sweet-earthy-urinic undertone. The leaves of Cow Parsley may be used as herbal additives to soups, casseroles, salads and vegetables. This is not so surprising as Cow Parsley is alternatively known as Wild Chervil and has a very similar flavour to the culinary Chervil, though somewhat pungent, sharp and spicy. Apart from Wild Chervil, Cow Parsley may also be locally known as Moonlight Scab Flower, Gipsy Laces or Lady's Needlework. The collection of Cow Parsley leaves as a culinary herb must be undertaken with caution as it is possible to confuse the leaves with those of Hemlock, a very poisonous Umbel.
Finally, an infusion of the shade-loving Sanicle may be of use to perfumers in the 'colds' season. For, this product is reputedly a powerful nasal decongestant and thereby clears the head.
"Pass the Sanicle Tea, please ".