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Botanical  Name: Sium sisarum
Family: N.O. Umbelliferae/Apiaceae
Common Names:Sium sisarum (Skirret, Crummock)
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Apiales
Genus: Sium
Species: S. sisarum
Part Used:Root.

Habitat: Not known in a truly wild situation but found as an escape from cultivation in damp places  possibly in E. Europe or Asia.Thought to be  a plant of Chinese origin, but may have arrived in Europe in early times: it is presumed to be the siser mentioned by Pliny the Elder as a favourite of the Emperor Tiberius (Natural History, 19.27.90), and was also grown by the Picts.

Description: It is a  Perennial plant, grows grows about 1 m high and is very resistant to cold, as well as pests and diseases. It is usually grown from seeds, but may also be started from root divisions. Lack of moisture makes the root more fibrous.

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It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from March to November, in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

It has a sweetish, somewhat aromatic root, which is used as a vegetable in much the same manner as the Oyster plant or Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius) and the Parsnip. It is supposed to be a useful diet in chest complaints.
The name (sium) is from the Celtic siu (water), in allusion to their habitat.

S. Sisarum has been cultivated  since A.D. 1548. When boiled and served with butter, the roots form a dish, declared by Worlidge, in 1682, to be ‘the sweetest, whitest, and most pleasant of roots.’

Culpepper says:
‘Sisari, secacul. Of Scirrets. – They are hot and moist, of good nourishment, something windy, as all roots; by reason of which they . . . stir up appetite . . .’
Common Name Index Skirret was cultivated until well into 18th century Europe for the sake of its edible roots. These can be eaten like salsify, boiled or fried. Besides this, roasted roots serve as a substitute for coffee. Heirloom variety

Edible Uses: Edible Parts: Root.,  Coffee.

Root – raw or cooked. Firm, sweet and floury but with a small woody core. The roots have a very acceptable taste raw, that is somewhat like a cross between carrots and parsnip but with a nutty flavour. They can also be boiled, baked or added to soups etc. The roasted root has been used as a coffee substitute.

Skirret was cultivated until well into 18th century Europe for the sake of its edible roots. These can be eaten like salsify, boiled or fried. Besides this, roasted roots serve as a substitute for coffee. Heirloom variety

Medicinal Uses: NOT KNOWN

Cultivation details
Prefers a light, rich, moisture retentive soil in full sun. Requires an abundance of moisture in the growing season or the roots will be tough[27, 37]. Plants are tolerant of some shade[244]. Plants seem to be resistant to all insects and diseases[160]. Skirret was at one time often grown for its edible root but has fallen into virtual disuse. This is a shame since the root is very tasty, easy to grow and relatively productive. The form S. sisarum sisarum should be used, its root is fleshy and succulent, S. sisarum lancifolium. (Bieb.) Thell. is sometimes offered but is unlikely to produce roots of culinary quality.

Propagation
Seed – sow late winter to early spring in a cold frame. It can be slow to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer if they are large enough. Otherwise, grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in the following spring. The seed is best sown in early April in situ[1, 33]. Division in early spring just before new growth begins. Use the side roots to produce new plants[1]. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Resources:

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/s/skirre51.html

http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Sium+sisarum

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sium_sisarum

http://www.magicgardenseeds.com/SIU01

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