Plants for Water-Wise Pollinator Gardens: Cilantro / Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

 

Plant Family

Carrot or Parsley Family Apiaceae formerly Umbelliferae

Common Names

Coriander, Cilantro, Chinese parsley

Description

  • Annual herb native to the Mediterranean rim countries
  • Used extensively in Mexican, Caribbean, and Asian cuisine
  • Umbel shaped flower heads grow to 3 feet tall and about 8 inches
  • Bloom in summer
  • Seeds are referred to as coriander and leaves are referred to as cilantro
  • All parts of this plant, including roots, are edible
  • Plant in a sunny dry location but supply additional water during hot, dry periods
Freshly picked cilantro leaves
Freshly picked cilantro leaves Photo credit: Michelle Dyer Flickr CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Attracts

Food plant for black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars
Beneficial insects: Green lacewing, Syrphid flies

Pollinator feeding on small white flowers
Syrphid fly feeding on coriander (cilantro) flower Photo source: Mumm’s Musings blog

Additional Resources:

West

Utah – Cilantro / Coriander in the Garden