Contents
Description
Pteroselinum Austriacum, commonly known as Austrian parsley or selin, is a biennial plant native to the mountainous regions of Austria and the Balkans. It belongs to the Apiaceae family, which also includes carrots, celery, and parsley.This herb grows up to 60 cm tall with a basal rosette of leaves during the first year of growth. In the second year, it produces a flowering stem with compound umbels of small white flowers. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and finely divided, resembling those of flat-leaf parsley.Austrian parsley is a popular culinary herb in Austria and other parts of Europe, where it is used like parsley to flavor soups, stews, and sauces. Its roots and seeds are also used in traditional medicine to treat digestive and respiratory problems.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Pteroselinum |
| Species | Austriacum |
Appearance
Austrian parsley has a basal rosette of leaves during the first year of growth. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and finely divided, resembling those of flat-leaf parsley. In the second year, it produces a flowering stem with compound umbels of small white flowers. The flowers are followed by small, flat, oval-shaped fruits that contain the plant’s seeds.
Care Guide
Austrian parsley is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this herb:Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week or more frequently during hot weather.Fertilization: Austrian parsley does not require heavy fertilization. You can add a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.Soil: This plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0.Sunlight: Austrian parsley prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will grow best in full sun.Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Austrian parsley is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to the following pests and diseases:Leafminer: These pests tunnel into the leaves, causing brown patches and distortion. You can control them by removing infected leaves and spraying the plant with an insecticidal soap.Parsley worm: These caterpillars feed on the leaves and can cause severe damage. You can control them by handpicking them off the plant or using a biological control like Bacillus thuringiensis.Fungal diseases: Austrian parsley can be susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot. You can prevent these diseases by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Austrian parsley is native to the mountainous regions of Austria and the Balkans. It grows in well-draining, fertile soil in full sun to partial shade. This plant prefers a cool, moist climate and can tolerate some frost.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Austrian parsley the same as flat-leaf parsley?A: While Austrian parsley and flat-leaf parsley belong to the same family, they are different species. Austrian parsley has a stronger flavor and is often used in traditional Austrian cuisine.Q: Can I grow Austrian parsley indoors?A: Yes, you can grow Austrian parsley indoors as long as you provide it with adequate sunlight and well-draining soil.Q: How do I harvest Austrian parsley?A: You can harvest Austrian parsley by cutting the outer leaves from the plant with a sharp knife or scissors. Leave the inner leaves intact to allow the plant to continue growing.Q: Can I use Austrian parsley in herbal medicine?A: Yes, the roots and seeds of Austrian parsley are used in traditional medicine to treat digestive and respiratory problems.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Austrian parsley:- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)- Celery (Apium graveolens)- Carrot (Daucus carota)- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)- Dill (Anethum graveolens)
References
– “Pteroselinum austriacum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b487.- “Austrian parsley.” Gardenia.net. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/pteroceltum-austriacum-austrian-parsley.- “Growing parsley.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/herbs/parsley.
