Marsh Hog's Fennel, Hogfennel
Peucedanum palustre

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Peucedanum palustre is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), beetles. 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Fens and marshes, usually on calcareous soils.

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, the Altai and Urals.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The root can be used as a ginger substitute.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The root is stimulant. It is used in the treatment of epilepsy.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Epilepsy: Used in the treatment of Epilepsy - a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures.

Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any moisture-retentive soil in a sunny position. Suitable for group plantings in the wild garden.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible otherwise in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

Best place to grow: Bog Garden;

Habit: Biennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, skin contact with the sap of a number of members in this genus is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people. They are also said to contain the alleged 'psychotroph' myristicine.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Selenium palustre. S. sylvestre.