Rosaceae; native to Europe and west Asia.

Germination: Sow seeds indoors at a temperature of 68-70° and at a depth of 4 times the size of the seeds. Expect germination in 8-10 days. Alternatively, sow seeds outdoors when the soil is warm in the spring or summer. Seeds can be sown outdoors up to two months before first frost. Sow at the same depth as indoors.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Space 12-15 inches apart in full sun or part shade. Site in an alkaline, poor, infertile, sandy, well-drained soil. Old leaves will need to be periodically removed and the plants should be cut back after flowering to prevent them from self-sowing. Fertilizing is not necessary. Very tolerant of shallow and low fertility soils and of heat and cold, however, they are not very drought tolerant.

Appearance and Use: Grown in herb gardens for the cucumber-flavored leaves that are used in soups, salads, and iced drinks. It grows as a 11/2- 21/2 feet tall by 2 feet wide, mounded, rosette of odd pinnately compound leaves. The leaves stay evergreen in warm climates and the individual leaflets are 1/2 inch, rounded, finely cut, and green in color. The leaves can be harvested at any time for fresh use or for drying. The leaves should last a week after being harvested. White or rose flowers appear in early summer.