Lovage
Levisticum officinale
Botanical family: Apiaceae
Levisticum officinale, a large perennial Apiaceae with a pronounced celery flavour, naturalised in the hedges and meadows of the mountains (Alps, Pyrenees). Leaves, stems, seeds and root are all aromatic. Sources: Tela Botanica, “Levisticum officinale W.D.J.Koch” (Coste's flora); Plants For A Future, “Levisticum officinale”.
Sun to partial shade
Deep, cool, rich
Regular, enjoys coolness
Very hardy perennial (~-25 °C)
Overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
A large perennial with a powerful celery taste, a single plant is enough to flavour broths and stews all year, hence its nickname 'perpetual celery'. Long-lived and hardy, it structures a corner of the garden (up to 2 m), and its large yellow umbels attract a swarm of helpers (hoverflies, ichneumons). An aromatic-backbone, planted once for years.
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Seasons & availability
A robust perennial whose celery-flavoured leaves are picked from spring to autumn; it dies back in winter, and sets seed in late summer.
Available: April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- La Ferme de Sainte Marthe, « Réussir la culture de l'ache des montagnes » (fermedesaintemarthe.com/en/blogs/comment-reussir-la-culture-de/reussir-la-culture-de-lache-des-montagnes)
- Plants For A Future, « Levisticum officinale » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Levisticum+officinale)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
To be dosed moderately (very powerful taste); cautious use in case of pregnancy or kidney disorders.
Family behaviour: Apiaceae
In general, Apiaceae are umbel plants (carrot, parsley, celery, coriander, dill) whose flowers attract precious beneficials: hoverflies, ichneumons, parasitoids. Fairly easy to pair, except fennel, they are useful along edges to feed beneficials.
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Key takeaways
- • Prefers sun to partial shade exposure.
- • Ideal soil: deep, cool, rich.