The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
September 11, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Science & Nature›Plants›Celery
Science & Nature • Plants

Celery

Celery is a cultivated plant in the parsley family, Apiaceae, scientifically known as *Apium graveolens*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Celery is a cultivated plant in the parsley family, Apiaceae, scientifically known as *Apium graveolens*. It is grown mainly for its crisp stalks, edible leaves, and seeds, and is used as a Vegetable and flavouring. The species is native to the Mediterranean region and is commonly grown as an annual crop.

Description

Celery is a herbaceous plant with ribbed stalks, divided leaves, and small white flowers. Cultivated varieties are selected mainly for edible stalks, leaves, or roots.

Cultivation and growth

The plant is biennial but is typically grown as a one-season crop. It grows best in moist, temperate conditions and is widely cultivated around the world.

Uses

Celery is eaten raw or cooked and is used to add flavour to soups, stocks, casseroles, and other dishes. Its seeds are also used as a spice and for celery salt.

Varieties

Common cultivated forms include stalk celery, leaf celery, and celeriac. These differ mainly in which part of the plant is selected for food use.

Key facts

  • Celery is an herbaceous plant in the parsley family, Apiaceae.
  • It is usually cultivated for its leaf stalks, but the leaves, seeds, and roots are also used.
  • The plant is biennial, though it is commonly grown as an annual in cultivation.
  • Celery is native to the Mediterranean region and is associated with moist habitats.
  • Celeriac is a related form of *Apium graveolens* grown for its enlarged root.
🍁
Canadian context

Celery is a widely eaten vegetable in Canada and is grown in temperate regions suitable for cool-season vegetable production.

Frequently asked questions

What is celery?
Celery is a cultivated plant species, *Apium graveolens*, in the Apiaceae family, grown mainly as a vegetable and flavouring.
Which parts of celery are edible?
The stalks, leaves, seeds, and in some forms the enlarged root are edible and used in food.
Is celery a vegetable or an herb?
It is both commonly treated as a vegetable crop and botanically an herbaceous plant.
Where did celery originate?
Celery is native to the Mediterranean region.
What is celeriac?
Celeriac is a cultivated form of *Apium graveolens* grown for its enlarged root rather than its stalks.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/celery
    Supports: Scientific name, family, and culinary uses of celery.
  2. Penn State PlantVillage — https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/celery/infos
    Supports: Plant type, edible parts, native region, and general cultivation notes.
  3. Missouri Botanical Garden — https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=275981&isprofile=0&chr=19
    Supports: Relationship between celery and celeriac varieties.
  4. Royal Horticultural Society — https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/features/fascinating-facts-celery
    Supports: Botanical name, origin, and celery types.
  5. NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/apium-graveolens/
    Supports: Native range and habitat of wild celery.