Spignel
Meum athamanticum
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Meum athamanticum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. 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 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
Grassy places in mountainous districts, usually on limestone soils.
Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to Spain, Germany and the Balkans.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Root - cooked. Used like parsnips. Leaves - used as a condiment in soups, stews and vegetable dishes. They add a subtle sweetish flavour.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The herb is diuretic, emmenagogue and stomachic.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Grows well in almost any fertile well-drained moderately retentive soil in a sunny position. This species was formerly cultivated for its edible root. All parts of the plant, especially the roots, are aromatic with a scent like melilot (Melilotus officinalis).
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer or the following spring. Division in autumn. Large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist