Pepper Saxifrage

Scientific Name: 
Silaum silaus

A member of the carrot family, Pepper saxifrage is found in a range of unimproved grasslands from hay meadows to undisturbed roadside verges but generally prefers damper soils. It's presence is a good indicator of agriculturally unimproved meadows

How to identify: 
A medium to tall umbellifer with clusters of fine, cream or yellow coloured flowers. Between 2-4 pinnate shaped leaves, small and branched.
Where to find it: 
Widespread in England, particularly in the south and east of the country. Present in south of Scotland and eastern Wales.
How people can help: 

Pepper saxifrage is a component of old unimproved hay meadows, fast declining through agricultural improvement, diffuse pollution and fragmentation. By being a member of your local Wildlife Trust you can help us protect our existing nature reserves, purchase new sites and advise landowners on how to sympathetically manage their hay meadows.

Statistics: 
The umbels grow to 60cm across
Did you know?: 
Despite it's name, it doesn't taste of pepper!
Seasons: 
Summer
Autumn
When to see
Start date: 
June
End date: 
September