A member of the carrot family, skirret is one of my go-to crops for edible landscaping and backyards. The Its flowers are similar to that of most other members of the carrot family; umbrella shaped clusters of small, pretty white flowers. The plant grow: bright green, broad leaves… but the true value of this plant lies underground. Unlike traditional carrots, skirret produces numerous root clusters underground; all of which have a rich, sweet chestnut-parsnip flavor.
***This crop can only be planted at sites and gardens that are regularly managed and must be removed if the area is abandoned or no longer in use. Letting Skirret go to seed will cause it to spread at an unprecedented rate. DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN***
Skirret (Sium sisarum)
•This plant does not have any purpose beyond a food crop for people and communities. Unfortunately the plant can become a colonizer species quite easily if not tended to; through both the seeds and the multiple tubers it produces.
•Flowers will attract pollinators… however, flowers MUST be cut down before going to seed to prevent colonizing habits.
•The greens can be used as biomass or as an additive in compost piles.
•Rabbits will eat the tubers and greens.
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