Cyclospermum

( sye - kloh - SPUR - mum )

At-A-Glance Information

This small genus, sometimes spelled Ciclospermum, includes herbaceous annual and perennial plants and is closely related to Apium (Celery). While not widely cultivated, species are sometimes grown as crop plants. Some species are considered weedy. They are herbaceous, upright plants that produce tiny white flowers in springtime. Use these plants in low, moist areas of the garden as filler in beds and borders, or as members of edible gardens.

Cyclospermum Species and Varietals

The genus Cyclospermum is a member of the plant family Apiaceae, and includes 3 species. The best growing zones for Cyclospermum plants vary depending on the species grown. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Cyclospermum leptophyllum (Marsh Parsley, Slender Celery, Fir-Leaved Celery, Wild Celery)
This annual species is native to warm temperate to tropical latitudes, and is considered an invasive weeds in many areas around the world. It forms a taproot and branching above-ground structures. Foliage is deeply cut and threadlike. Flowers are inconspicuous and white (sometimes tinged with pink). Leaves can be sprinkled into salads to add a little taste.

Caring for Cyclospermum

Plant Cyclospermum in a space in the landscape that receives full sun to partial shade; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients (loamy), and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants appreciate consistently moist soils, especially if they are being cultivated for their edible parts. These plants grow well in standing water.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. If collecting seeds for propagation, make sure to leave some flower heads on plants to mature. Cyclospermum plants are perennials or annuals, lasting for a year or more in the garden before needing to be replaced. They freely re-seed and can become weedy very quickly, so it is recommended to grow them in a controlled area.

Harvesting Cyclospermum
When harvested, these plants are referred to as Marsh Parsley or Slender Celery. Plants are harvested as a Parsley substitute. They are typically treated as cut-and-come-again plants, and leaves are harvested when they are still quite young. Make harvesting cuts to the outer leaves to encourage further plant growth, never harvesting more than 1/3 of the plant at any time. The leaves are often used fresh for the best flavor, but they can also be cooked into foods or dried into a spice.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Cyclospermum, or Marsh Parsley, is best propagated by seed. These plants will freely re-seed, and volunteer seedlings can also be dug up and transplanted elsewhere. To propagate your Marsh Parsley plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Cyclospermum by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them lightly with soil and water with a spray bottle. Place the sown seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-4 weeks from sowing.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet. Keep your seedling in an area with bright light and temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when the seedling can be hardened off and then planted outdoors.

Seeds are found on plants where flowers once bloomed.

Cyclospermum seeds are small and curved.

Problems and Pests

Cyclospermum plants are sometimes considered pests themselves, as they have a tendency to re-seed freely across landscapes. They are not considered invasive. These plants are typically free of any serious pest or disease problems, though they can be susceptible to issues with the following if growing conditions are not ideal: