Peucedanum verticillare
giant hog fennel
Overview
Peucedanum verticillare is a tall, short-lived or monocarpic perennial in the Apiaceae family, forming a broad basal rosette of finely divided foliage for one or more years before sending up a single stout flowering stem 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) tall. The hollow, ridged stems are flushed purple and branch near the top into flat-topped compound umbels of small yellow-green flowers in summer. The dissected leaves are fern-like and can reach 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) long in the rosette. After flowering and setting seed the plant usually dies, leaving seedlings to continue. Peucedanum verticillare is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8 and grows in full sun to light shade in deep, moist, fertile soil. The great height needs shelter from strong wind, and the heavy seed heads can topple in exposed sites. It self-seeds where the ground is open. The flowers draw hoverflies, bees, wasps, and other insects in large numbers, and the seed heads stand into winter. As with many umbellifers, contact with the sap in sunlight can irritate skin in sensitive individuals. Native to damp grassland and open woodland of southeastern Europe, it is grown as a tall accent in borders and naturalistic plantings.
Native Range
Peucedanum verticillare is native to damp grassland, river valleys, and open woodland of southeastern Europe, including the Balkans and Italy. It grows in deep, moist soil in sun or light shade.Suggested Uses
Grown as a tall vertical accent in mixed borders, gravel gardens, and naturalistic or prairie-style plantings, spaced 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart. The umbels and seed heads draw insects and stand through winter. It suits the back of borders and large informal schemes.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowers in summer, roughly June through August, in the year the plant runs up to its full height. The flat umbels of yellow-green flowers open over several weeks. The plant then sets seed, and the dried seed heads stand into winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to light shade in deep, moist, fertile soil. Water needs are medium, and the plant grows largest where soil stays reliably moist. In USDA zones 5 through 8 it is cold hardy and forms a rosette for one or more years before flowering once and dying. The tall flowering stem needs shelter from strong wind, and heavy seed heads can topple in exposed sites. It self-seeds where the ground is open, which keeps a planting going. Contact with the sap in sunlight can irritate skin in sensitive individuals.Pruning
The flowering stem is cut down after the seed heads fade, or left standing into winter for structure and seed. Self-sown seedlings can be thinned or moved while small. The rosette is left intact between seasons.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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D
fall