Ligusticum lucidum
shining lovage
Western Mediterranean and Iberian Peninsula
Overview
Ligusticum lucidum is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the carrot family, growing 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) tall and 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) wide. The glossy, dark green leaves are divided into broad, toothed segments and form a substantial basal mound, more solid in appearance than the feathery foliage of many umbellifers. Branched, ridged stems carry flat-topped compound umbels 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) across, packed with many small white-to-cream flowers, from early to midsummer. Ribbed seeds follow, and the foliage stays green into autumn. The plant has a deep root and stands without staking. It grows in sun or light shade and tolerates a range of soils with reasonable drainage, dying back to the ground in winter. It self-seeds where the ground is open and re-emerges in mid-spring. In dry soil the foliage scorches at the edges, and the umbels are white rather than colorful.
Native Range
Ligusticum lucidum is native to the western Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula, where it grows on rocky slopes, in scrub, and on open ground. It is adapted to a climate of dry summers and mild, wet winters.Suggested Uses
Ligusticum lucidum is used in mixed borders, gravel gardens, and naturalistic plantings, spaced 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart. The glossy foliage and white umbels combine with grasses and summer perennials. Its mid-spring emergence leaves a gap that earlier plants can fill.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs from early to midsummer, roughly June to July. Branched stems hold flat-topped white-to-cream umbels above the glossy foliage over several weeks. Ribbed seeds form as the umbels fade, and the flowers draw bees and hoverflies while open.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to creamFoliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 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 lucidum grows in full sun to light shade and well-drained soil of average fertility, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It develops a deep root and becomes drought-tolerant once established, though the leaf edges scorch in prolonged dry spells. Staking is not needed, as the ridged stems stand on their own. The plant dies back fully in winter and resprouts in mid-spring. The stems and old foliage can be cut to the ground after seed set or in late winter. It self-seeds where the soil is open, and seedlings can be removed or moved while young.Pruning
The flowering stems and old foliage can be cut to ground level in late winter before new growth appears. Removing the seed heads before they ripen limits self-seeding, while leaving them adds structure into winter. No mid-season pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
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F
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A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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D
early spring