Aegopodium alpestre
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Aegopodium alpestre is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Damp woods in mountains, C. and S. Japan. Mixed forests or grassy places on mountain slopes at elevations of 900 - 2200 metres in China.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Siberia
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young shoots - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. It is likely to succeed in sun or light shade and to prefer a moist soil.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Very easy, the divisions can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist