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Lovage

English
  • Vegetables and herbs
Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
Photo: Jardin botanique de Montréal (Josée Bouthot)
Levisticum officinale
  • Levisticum officinale
  • Levisticum officinale

Onglets

Botany

Origin and description

This sturdy herbaceous plant is probably native to Afghanistan and Iran. It has hollow stems and divided leaves that look like celery or Italian parsley leaves. Its brown root is long and fleshy. Its small yellow flowers are borne in a dense, compound umbel. The seeds look like caraway seeds. All parts of lovage are edible.
Cycle: Perennial.
Spacing: 90-120 cm.
Height: 150 cm.

Common name

Lovage

Latin name (genus)

Levisticum officinale

English common name

French common name

Botanical family

  • Apiaceae
Horticulture

Growing conditions

Exposure: Full sun, partial shade.

Propagation

Sow ripe seeds outdoors in late summer or early fall.
Divide in spring.

Use

Culinary use: Leaves, stems, seeds and root are edible.
Fresh or young dried young leaves used to flavour soups, broths, sauces, vegetables and roasts.
Strong celery flavour.

See also

Pests and diseases
Physiological disorders

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