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Peucedanum spp.

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 5–9

Overview

Peucedanum spp. is a genus of perennial and biennial herbs in the carrot family, native across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with the limits of the genus narrowed in recent taxonomy as many species have moved to related genera. Plants grow from stout taproots into clumps of upright, ridged, branching stems 24-79 inches (60-200 cm) tall, bearing finely divided, feathery leaves cut into narrow segments. From summer into early autumn the stems carry flat-topped or domed compound umbels of many small flowers, usually yellow or greenish-yellow and in some species white. The flowers give way to flattened, winged, oval seeds typical of the family. The genus includes P. officinale, hog's fennel or sulphur-weed, of European coastal grassland and fen, whose roots and stems exude a sulphur-scented yellow sap when cut. Most species grow in damp meadows, marsh edges, coastal grassland, and open scrub on a range of soils. Peucedanum spp. draws many bees, wasps, hoverflies, and beetles to its open umbels, and some species are larval hosts for swallowtail butterflies. The deep taproot makes established plants hard to move. Several species have a long history of use in herbal medicine.

Native Range

Peucedanum spp. is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, ranging across temperate and subtropical regions of the Old World. Species grow in damp meadows, fens, coastal grasslands, marsh margins, and open scrub.

Suggested Uses

Peucedanum spp. is grown in wildlife and pollinator plantings, damp meadow and naturalistic gardens, and the back of moist borders for its tall umbels. Coastal and fen species suit wet grassland and conservation plantings.

How to Identify

Look for tall, ridged, branching stems rising from a stout taproot, with feathery leaves cut into narrow segments. Flat or domed compound umbels of small yellow to greenish-yellow flowers open in late summer. The carrot-family umbels, divided foliage, and flattened winged seeds mark the genus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 6'7"

Width/Spread1'6" - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer

Flowering runs from summer into early autumn, roughly July through September. Broad compound umbels carry many small yellow to greenish-yellow flowers that draw a wide range of insects. Flattened, winged seeds ripen afterward and scatter near the plant.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow to greenish-yellow

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-12 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-4 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Peucedanum spp. grows in full sun to part shade on moist, fertile soil and tolerates damp ground, including seasonally wet meadows and fen margins. The genus is cold-hardy through temperate winters and dies back to the rootstock each year. Plants grow from a deep taproot and are slow to reestablish if moved, so they are grown from seed in place. Most species need steady moisture and decline in dry, poor soils. Few serious pests affect the genus. Self-sown seedlings may appear around established plants.

Pruning

Cut spent stems to the ground in late autumn or late winter once the seed has ripened. Seed heads can be left standing through autumn for the seed and structure. Removing developing umbels limits self-seeding where it is not wanted.