Lovage (Levisticum officinale): Towering Celery-Flavored Herb

Overview

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a statuesque perennial herb native to southern Europe and western Asia. Every part—leaves, stems, seeds, and roots—tastes intensely of celery, but richer and more complex. It towers over the herb garden at 1.5–2 m, making a dramatic architectural statement.

Botanical Description

Stout, hollow stems 1.5–2.5 m tall. Leaves are tripinnate, dark green, glossy, with toothed leaflets resembling celery but larger. Flowers are tiny, yellow-green, in compound umbels 5–10 cm wide, blooming June–August. Seeds are ribbed, aromatic. The thick, fleshy taproot is also edible.

Taxonomy

Family:	Apiaceae (ay-pee-AY-see-ee)
Genus:	Levisticum (lev-IS-tee-kum)
Species:	officinale (oh-fiss-ih-NAH-lee)

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: Deep, moist, rich, well-drained.
• Water: Regular; deep roots access subsoil moisture.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–8.

Uses

Culinary: Leaves in soups, stews, salads; stems candied or blanched; seeds as spice; root as vegetable. Medicinal: Traditional diuretic, digestive, expectorant. Ornamental: Back of border, herb garden focal point. Attracts beneficial insects.

Notes

Self-seeds moderately. Deadhead to control spread. Divide in spring or fall. The name derives from Ligusticum (Italian levisticum), from Liguria, where it grew wild. A classic monastery garden herb.