Mountain Lovage, Alpine lovage
Ligusticum mutellina

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Ligusticum mutellina is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Mountains, C. and S. Europe.

Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves. Used as a parsley substitute. The dried leaves are a tea substitute.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Stomachic.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position.

Propagating it: The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in the autumn. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a greenhouse or cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer if they have grown large enough. Otherwise, keep them in a cold frame for the first winter and plant them out in early summer. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Aethusa mutellina. Meum mutallina.