Apiaceae (formerly Umbelliferae) - wildflowers of the Carrot family
This is a large family containing some 3700 species; it includes several economically-important crop vegetables including Cellery, Carrots and Parsnips as well as many popular aromatic herbs such as Coriander, Cumin, Dill and Fennel. Some members of this family, such as Hemlock, are poisonous.
These thumbnail pictures have links to larger photographs and information about each of the species, their habitat needs and an identification guide.
We have used the scientific names to identify species in this table, but if you prefer to use common names we have also listed all species covered on the First Nature website in alphabetical order of Common Names...
There is also the option to see all species listed in order of Scientific Names or Botanical Families or Dominant Colour.
The carrot family includes many flowers of similar appearance - most have complex flower heads that look rather like flat-topped umbrellas. The flowers are small, with five petals, and arranged in primary 'umbels' with in many cases groups of umbels making up a secondary umbel (a compound umbellifer).
The leaves are alternate and usually divided several times, while at the base of the primary and secondary umbels there are strap-like bracts whose features aid identification.
Members of the Apiaceae (Carrot) family on this website
| Aegopodium podagraria | Ground Elder |
| Anthriscus sylvestris | Cow Parsley |
| Astrantia major | Great Masterwort |
| Conium maculatum | Hemlock |
| Conopodium majus | Pignut |
| Daucus carota | Wild Carrot |
| Eryngium maritimum | Sea Holly |
| Foeniculum vulgare | Fennel |
| Haquetia epipactis | Haquetia |
| Heracleum mantegazzianum | Giant Hogweed |
| Heracleum sphondylium | Hogweed |
| Oenanthe crocata | Hemlock Water Dropwort |
| Oenanthe fistulosa | Tubular Water Dropwort |
| Oenanthe lachenalii | Parsley Water-dropwort |
| Scandix pecten-veneris | Shepherd's Needles |
| Smyrnium olusatrum | Alexanders |
Introduction to wild flower families...