Heracleum sphondylium sibiricum

Physical Characteristics

Heracleum sphondylium sibiricum is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

N.E. to C. Europe.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Sweetener Stem and young shoots - raw or cooked[5, 7, 9, 17]. Used as a green vegetable, when harvested just as they are sprouting from the ground they are somewhat like asparagus in flavour[183]. The rind is somewhat acrid[115]. A sweet substance resembling sugar forms on the dried stems[115]. A great delicacy[2, 183]. The peduncles, before flowering, can be eaten as a vegetable or added to soups[183]. Root[7]. No further details are given.

Medicinal Uses

Aphrodisiac Digestive Expectorant Sedative The whole plant, harvested shortly before or at flowering time, is aphrodisiac, digestive, mildly expectorant and sedative[7, 9]. It is used in the treatment of laryngitis and bronchitis, though it can cause allergic dermatitis in some people[9].

Known Hazards

Many members of this genus contain furanocoumarins. These have carcinogenic, mutagenic and phototoxic properties. This sub-species is said to be non-toxic[65].