Ammi majus L.
Bishop's Weed
Bullwort is a tall annual in the carrot family, grown for its airy, domed umbels of tiny white flowers held above finely cut, fern-like foliage. It is not a British native: its natural range lies around the Mediterranean, North Africa and western Asia, and it is thought to have originated in the Nile valley.
About
Bullwort is a tall annual in the carrot family, grown for its airy, domed umbels of tiny white flowers held above finely cut, fern-like foliage. It is not a British native: its natural range lies around the Mediterranean, North Africa and western Asia, and it is thought to have originated in the Nile valley. In gardens it is treated as a hardy annual, typically reaching around 80cm, though autumn-sown plants can grow considerably taller.
It does best in a sunny, open spot on free-draining soil, flowering through summer and into autumn. The lacy heads are a magnet for hoverflies, bees and other small pollinators, and the long, wiry stems make it a favourite for cutting and for adding a soft, see-through texture to borders. It also slots neatly into cottage-style planting and informal annual mixes, where its froth of white knits other flowers together.
Also known as
Bishopsweed · Bullwort · Large Bullwort · bishop's-weed · false bishop's-weed · greater ammi · laceflower · lady's-lace · may weed
Synonyms
Aethusa ammi · Ammi apiifolium · Ammi boeberi · Ammi broussonetii · Ammi cicutifolium · Ammi diversifolium · Ammi diversifolium daucifolium · Ammi diversifolium glaucifolium · Ammi elatum · Ammi glaucifolium
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.