Porter's Licorice Root
Ligusticum porteri
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Ligusticum porteri is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). 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 dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.9
Where it is found
Moist fertile ground, almost to the timberline, 2000 - 3500 metres in Texas. Upland meadows and ravines.
South-western N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The leaves are used as a flavouring, a celery substitute.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 3
The roots, seed and essential oil (obtained from the roots and the seed) of this plant are a bitter, camphoraceous warming herb that stimulates the circulation, kidneys and uterus. They are also antirheumatic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, digestive, expectorant, febrifuge and stomachic. They are used internally in the treatment of eruptive fevers, bronchial infections, digestive complaints, toothache, painful menstruation and retained placenta. They have also been used to treat TB. and headaches. An infusion of the roots is used externally to treat body aches. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Kidney: Used in the treatment of kidney diseases
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
TB: Plants used in the treatment of tuberculosis
Uterine tonic: A tonic for the uterus. See also oxytoxic.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position. Succeeds in dry soils. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c.
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: Dry, moist