FORM Biennial or perennial herbs. Stem often stout with hollow internodes, may be aromatic.

Genera 270  genera in our area  50

Species 2800 in our area 88 (Gray); 99 (B&B)⁴³

Distribution mainly north temperate

Flowers Latin Umbrella-carriers, tiny regular borne in umbels. Flowers small, in flat-topped, umbrella-shaped clusters

#Parts  5 lobed calyx fused to ovary, 5 petals with stamens alternating. Symmetry

Leaves compound / divided with sheathing bases often finely divided and fern-like.

Fruits dry, seed-like, often ribbed. Food plants in this family include papsley, carrots, turnips, celery, and dill. Poisons Water Hemlock and Poison Hemlock.