Scottish Lovage, Scottish licorice-root, Hulten's licorice-root

Ligusticum scoticum

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Basic Information

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

Genus: ligusticum

Plant ID (slug): ligusticum-scoticum

Numeric ID: 24535

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Ligusticum scoticum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, 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 dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Northwestern Europe, including Britain, from Denmark to Norway.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Seed Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Condiment Leaves, flowers and young shoots - raw or cooked[2, 4, 5, 100]. Strong and not very pleasant[115]. Superb in salads[172]. The leaves are usually blanched in order to make the flavour milder[61, 183], though this also reduces the nutritional value[K]. A celery-like flavour, it is used as a seasoning in salads, soups etc[183]. Another report says that the flavour is more like parsley[245]. Stem - used as a flavouring in soups, stews etc[5, 17]. A celery-like flavour[238]. The green stem is peeled and eaten[183]. Root - raw or cooked[2, 5, 161]. A sweet flavour[161]. Seed - ground into a powder and used as a flavouring in soups and stews[172, 238, 245]. A sharp, hot taste it is used in the same ways as pepper[245]. The young shoots and roots are occasionally candied like angelica[183].

Medicinal Uses

Aromatic Carminative Deodorant Stimulant The root is aromatic and carminative[4]. It is used in the treatment of hysterical and uterine disorders[4, 238]. The seeds are sweetly aromatic and have been used as a carminative, deodorant and stimulant[4, 172, 238]. They are also sometimes used for flavouring other herbal remedies[4].