Levisticum officinale

Sunset

Levisticum officinale, photo courtesy of Jerry Pavia

Click to Enlarge

Zones 4-9, 12-24

Full, Partial

Moderate

Lovage

Herbs, Perennials

Used as an ornamental, an herb, and as an edible plant, lovage grows in clumps that can reach 6 ft. tall (but 3 ft. is typical). Divided, glossy deep green leaves rise from clumps in summer, hollow stems crowned by sprays of flat-topped greenish yellow flower clusters. It is similar to angelica. Seeds are valuedfor their celery flavor, leaves are added to salads and soups,and even the roots are eaten.Sow seeds in place in fall; orstart in containers and transplant into the spring garden. You can also divide an established clump in early spring. From the eastern Mediterranean region.