Ligusticum apiifolium (Celery-leaf Wild Lovage)

Plant Description: A part of the carrot family, celery-leaf wild lovage is a sweet smelling plant most often found in prairies, oak woodlands, and uplands. As their name suggests, their leaves and stems are celery-like giving them a soft look. They are a perennial species that primarily propagate through spreading seed. Their seeds come from divided umbel white flower heads that serve many pollinator species. They are fully edible with a taste that is described to have both carrot and celery notes. There are extremely poisonous look-a-likes including Poison hemlock. 

                            *** Do not consume any plant without proper ID ***

• Height: 10″ – 24″
• Width: 10″ – 24″
• Sun needs: full sun to part shade
• Soil needs: tolerates moist to dry soil
• Bloom Time: April-June
• Portland Plant List (Backyard Habitat Certification): Yes

Ecosystem Benefit: Wild lovage has a main taproot that helps to break up hard soils and bring nutrients to the top of the soil. They also provide nectar for a variety of bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.