Heracleum sphondylium sibiricum

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Heracleum sphondylium sibiricum is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June 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): 1.8

Where it is found

Grassy places and rough ground.

N.E. to C. Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Stem and young shoots - raw or cooked. Used as a green vegetable, when harvested just as they are sprouting from the ground they are somewhat like asparagus in flavour. The rind is somewhat acrid. A sweet substance resembling sugar forms on the dried stems. A great delicacy. The peduncles, before flowering, can be eaten as a vegetable or added to soups. Root. No further details are given.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Sweetener: includes sugar substitutes.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The whole plant, harvested shortly before or at flowering time, is aphrodisiac, digestive, mildly expectorant and sedative. It is used in the treatment of laryngitis and bronchitis, though it can cause allergic dermatitis in some people.

Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.

Digestive: Aids digestion.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in any ordinary garden soil, doing best in moist soils or deep woodland. This species contains a large number of sub-species. This sub-species is said to be free of toxic substances. A good bee plant.

Propagating it: Seed - sow mid to late spring or early autumn in situ.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Habit: Biennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Many members of this genus contain furanocoumarins. These have carcinogenic, mutagenic and phototoxic properties. This sub-species is said to be non-toxic.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

H. flavescens. Blume. H. sibiricum. L.