Ligusticum spp.
lovage
Northern Hemisphere temperate and montane regions
Overview
Ligusticum is a genus of about 40 to 60 aromatic perennial herbs in the carrot family, Apiaceae, found in cool temperate and montane regions across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Plants grow from stout, fragrant rootstocks and form clumps of divided, fern-like leaves, the segments toothed and glossy green, on hollow stems 1-5 feet (30-150 cm) tall. In summer, branched stems bear compound umbels of small white to greenish-white flowers, followed by ribbed, aromatic seeds. The roots and foliage carry a celery- or lovage-like scent, and some species, such as L. porteri of the Rocky Mountains and L. scoticum of northern coasts, have a long record of culinary and traditional use. The genus grows in moist, well-drained soils in meadows, open woods, and coastal or alpine sites in full sun to light shade. Several species are slow to establish from seed and resent root disturbance once settled. Plants die back in winter and regrow from the rootstock in spring.
Native Range
Ligusticum species are native to the Northern Hemisphere, occurring in North America, Europe, and northern and central Asia, where they grow in mountain meadows, open woodland, streamsides, and on northern sea cliffs and coasts.Suggested Uses
Grown in herb gardens, wildlife and pollinator plantings, and naturalistic meadow or woodland-edge schemes. Coastal species are used in seaside gardens, and aromatic species are grown for culinary leaves and seeds and for traditional root uses.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in summer, generally June to August depending on elevation and latitude. Compound umbels of small white to greenish-white flowers open above the foliage and draw a range of small pollinating insects. Ribbed seeds ripen in late summer to autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to greenish-whiteFoliage Description
Glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Ligusticum grows in full sun to light shade in moist but well-drained, fertile soil. Most species occupy cool sites with even moisture and tolerate a wide pH range. Coastal species such as L. scoticum withstand salt spray and sandy soils, while montane species such as L. porteri need sharp drainage and cool summers. Plants are slow to establish from seed, which germinates after a cold period, and settled clumps resent root disturbance. Most species are hardy to USDA zone 3 or 4. Soggy winter soils can rot the rootstock.Pruning
Spent flower heads are cut back after seeding to limit self-sown seedlings, or left to ripen for seed collection. Yellowing foliage is removed as it dies back in autumn. Plants re-establish slowly after division, so clumps are usually left undisturbed.Pruning Schedule
fall