Smyrnium perfoliatum

Smyrnium perfoliatum, known as the perfoliate hound's-tongue, is a biennial plant native to regions across southeastern Europe and northern Africa, including Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and parts of France. This plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions. Its edible parts—flowers, leaves, shoots, and stems—are used for culinary purposes. Found within its native range, Smyrnium perfoliatum can grow up to 1.5 meters tall, standing out with its distinctive perfoliate leaves that wrap around the stem, a feature that gives it its common name.