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Levisticum officinale

Image of Levisticum officinale

Mark A. Miller

Family

Apiaceae

Botanical Name

Levisticum officinale

Plant Common Name

Lovage

General Description

The large, lacy leaves of this this imposing perennial from the eastern Mediterranean are as handsome as they are flavorful. Lovage has been prized as a culinary herb and vegetable since medieval times.

The glossy dark green, triangular leaves of this hardy, hollow-stemmed perennial are divided into numerous lobed segments. In summer, flat clusters ("umbels") of tiny greenish-yellow flowers are held on branching stems that rise above the lush clumps of foliage. Many insects visit and pollinate the blooms, resulting in copious yellow-brown, oval seeds. Plants often self-sow. The celery-flavored leaves, seeds, and young shoots are delicious in soups and other hearty dishes. The seeds make a good addition to breads.

Grow lovage in full to partial sun in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. The flower stems may need staking. Propagate via seed, which requires a chilling period to germinate, or by dividing clumps or transplanting volunteer seedlings in spring. Cut back plants in summer to stimulate fresh growth. Lovage makes an ornamental addition to the herb or vegetable garden.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Herb

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m

  • Width

    2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer, Summer

  • Native To

    Mediterranean, Turkey

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow, Yellow Green

  • Fruit Color

    Green, Tan

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    Yes

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    Yes

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Coarse

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Dried Flower/Everlasting, Edible, Feature Plant, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes