Sea Celery
Apium prostratumfam. Apiaceae
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Pl. 9BFB — Apium prostratum
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IOverview
Overview
Sea Celery (Apium prostratum) is a perennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae family and is native to regions including Antipodean Islands, Argentina Northeast, Brazil South, Cape Provinces, Chatham Islands, Easter Island, Kermadec Islands, Namibia, New South Wales, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Norfolk Island, Pitcairn Island, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Tubuai Island, Uruguay, Victoria, and Western Australia. This plant thrives in moist conditions with partial sun to shade, making it adaptable to various soil types such as light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). Known for its edible leaves, roots, and seeds, Sea Celery is both a culinary and medicinal resource. Its distinctive feature lies in its sprawling habit and ability to grow up to 0.6 meters in height, making it a notable presence in coastal and maritime environments.
Quick answers
What is Sea Celery?
Sea Celery (Apium prostratum) is a perennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae family and is native to regions including Antipodean Islands, Argentina Northeast, Brazil South, Cape Provinces, Chatham Islands, Easter Island, Kermadec Islands, Namibia, New South Wales, New Zealand Nor
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Harmony
digestiontincture
Historically used for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sea Celery thrives in partial sun to shade and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a perennial that grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is best propagated through seeds. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and is native to areas including Antipodean Islands, Argentina Northeast, Brazil South, Cape Provinces, Chatham Islands, Easter Island, Kermadec Islands, Namibia, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Norfolk Island, Pitcairn Island, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Tubuai Islands, Uruguay, Victoria, and Western Australia.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Sea Celery for the first time
7steps
Start with Sea Celery as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a container or garden bed, and basic gardening tools.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in autumn before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare containers with light, medium, or heavy soil mix.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants into the garden once they have several leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist, and protect from strong winds and direct sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial sun or shade, water when the top inch of soil is dry, and mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back old growth in late winter to encourage new growth. Harvest leaves and roots as needed throughout the growing season.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRootSeed
Edible uses: The leaves, roots, and seeds of Sea Celery are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, while the roots are typically used in cooking after being prepared. Seeds may also be incorporated into dishes, though their culinary use is less common.
Other uses:WaterproofingFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 1 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 20 native· 1 introduced
Americas1 region
native (1)Uruguay
Africa1 region
native (1)Namibia
Broader regions
native:Antipodean Is., Brazil South, Cape Provinces, Chatham Is., Easter Is., Kermadec Is., New South Wales, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Norfolk Is., Pitcairn Is., Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Tubuai Is., Victoria, Western Australia, Argentina Northeast
introduced:Washington
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Apiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Apiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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