Laserwort

Laserpitium latifolium

Physical Characteristics

Laserpitium latifolium is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July 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 semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Condiment Root - used as a flavouring[2, 105, 177]. It was used by the Romans with cumin in order to season preserved artichokes[183]. A decoction of the seeds is used in beer[183].

Medicinal Uses

Stomachic Tonic Stomachic, tonic[46, 61].

Known Hazards

None known