Ammi majus (laceflower, "Dokuzerimodoki")

Japanese name: ドクゼリモドキ （毒芹擬）
Scientific name: Ammi majus

[Overview]
An annual or biennial 30–100 cm tall.
The leaves are alternate, 1–2 times (rarely 3 times) ternately pinnately compound.
Leaf shape is highly variable, and leaves tend to be narrower toward the top of the stem.
The leaf stalks are sheath-like.
A compound umbel 6–10 cm across at the stem tip bears 15–60 primary flower stalks, with a narrowly divided involucre at the base.
Each primary flower stalk bears a small umbel about 1 cm across with a dozen or so flowers.
Linear bracts are also present at the base of these.
The flowers are small, white and 5-petaled.
There are 5 stamens.
The fruit is a schizocarp.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed.
Autumn-sown plants grow into larger plants more easily.
It prefers sun to partial shade and a fertile, well-drained, slightly moist site.
Water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
Take particular care not to let it dry out during the flowering period.
Excessive moisture can cause root rot, so care is needed.
For potted plants, apply liquid fertilizer once a week during the growing period.
For plants in the garden, this is not particularly necessary.
Pests and diseases include damping-off, aphids and spider mites.
Damping-off may occur if the plant is grown repeatedly in the same place.

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