Cilantro

(Coriandrum sativum)

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)

Forest and Kim Starr

CC BY 2.0

Image By: Forest and Kim Starr

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Forest and Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Starr Environmental | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Coriandrum sativum, commonly known as Cilantro or Coriander, is an annual herb originally from regions in Southern Europe, North Africa, and Southwestern Asia. It thrives in a variety of habitats including fields, open areas, and gardens. The plant typically grows to 50 cm (20 in) tall and is characterized by its aromatic foliage. The lower leaves are broad and lobed, while the upper leaves are more delicate and feathery. Coriander blooms in the late spring to early summer, producing small umbels of white to pale pink flowers that are more prominent on one side, creating an asymmetrical appearance. The fruit, which follows the flowers, is a round, dry schizocarp that is commonly used as a spice when dried.

Cilantro is valued for its culinary uses, with all parts of the plant being edible. The fresh leaves are often used in cooking for their distinctive flavor, while the dried seeds are used as a spice. It is easy to grow and is often found in kitchen gardens and as a companion plant in vegetable gardens due to its ability to repel harmful insects. Cilantro prefers full sun to part shade and requires moderate watering, thriving in well-drained soils. It can suffer from leaf spot and wilt if overwatered or if grown in poorly drained soils. Bolting, where the plant flowers and goes to seed quickly, can occur in hot temperatures, so it is best to plant in cooler seasons or provide shade in warmer climates.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 1.5-2 feet
Width: 1-1.5 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: Pink, White
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, 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, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Originally from regions in Southern Europe, North Africa, and Southwestern Asia, thriving in fields, open areas, and gardens

Other Names

Common Names: Chinese-Parsley , Coriander , Dhania , Echter Koriander , Koriander , Culantro , Coriandre , Coriandre Cultivé , Coriandolo , Coriandro

Scientific Names: Coriandrum sativum , Cuminum cyminum , Coriandrum sativum var. microcarpum , Coriandrum sativum var. africanum , Coriandrum sativum var. indicum , Coriandrum melphitense , Coriandrum sativum var. asiaticum , Coriandrum majus , Bifora loureiroi , Coriandropsis syriaca

GBIF Accepted Name: Coriandrum sativum L.