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(Carum carvi)
Caraway (Carum carvi)
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© Christian Berg
CC BY 4.0
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© Christian Berg
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Christian Berg | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: ch_berg | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Carum carvi, commonly known as Caraway, is a biennial or short-lived perennial herb that is native to temperate regions of Eurasia and the Middle East, including meadows, grasslands, and riverbanks. It is a member of the Apiaceae family, characterized by its finely divided, feathery leaves with thread-like divisions that grow on stems 20–30 cm (8–12 in) tall. The main flower stem reaches 40–60 cm (16–24 in) in height, bearing small white or pink flowers in umbrella-like clusters (umbels) that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are modest in appearance but are attractive to beneficial insects. The crescent-shaped achenes, commonly referred to as seeds, are about 2 mm (1⁄16 in) long with five pale ridges and are known for their pungent, anise-like flavor.
Caraway is valued for its aromatic seeds that are used in cooking and baking, and it is also known for its medicinal properties. It is a popular choice for herb gardens and is sometimes used in border plantings for its delicate foliage. Caraway thrives in warm, sunny locations and requires well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are not waterlogged. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade. Caraway can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may attract aphids or carrot rust flies. It is not typically invasive but can self-seed under favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Caraway is valued for its aromatic seeds that are used in cooking and baking, and it is also known for its medicinal properties. It is a popular choice for herb gardens and is sometimes used in border plantings for its delicate foliage. Caraway thrives in warm, sunny locations and requires well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are not waterlogged. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade. Caraway can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may attract aphids or carrot rust flies. It is not typically invasive but can self-seed under favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to temperate regions of Eurasia and the Middle East, including meadows, grasslands, and riverbanks
Other Names
Common Names: Meridian Fennel, Persian Cumin, Common Caraway, Wild Caraway, Carum, Wiesen-Kümmel, Wiesenkümmel, Kümmel, Comino De Prado, Anis
Scientific Names: , Carum carvi, Bunium carvi, Carum carvi f. gracile, Carum velenovskyi, Carum gracile, Lagoecia cuminoides, Seseli carvi, Carum carvi f. rhodochranthum, Carum carvi f. rubriflorum
GBIF Accepted Name: Carum carvi L.