Ligusticum hultenii

Fernald.

Hulten's Licorice Root

Apiaceae Edible: Leaves, Root, Shoots

gbif· cc-by

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

gbif· cc-by

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

gbif· cc-by

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Description

Ligusticum hultenii is a PERENNIAL. 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 moist soil.

Edible Uses

Young plant and young shoots - raw or cooked.. Used as a substitute for celery. The leaves are a good source of vitamins A and C. Root. No more details are given.

Distribution

E. Asia - Japan to N. America - Alaska.

Where It Grows

TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation (Kurile Islands, Primorye, Kamcatskij kraj, Magadanskaja oblast, Sakhalin), Korea, Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu) NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Alaska), Canada (British Columbia)

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in all areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position.

Propagation

The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in the autumn. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a greenhouse or cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer if they have grown large enough. Otherwise, keep them in a cold frame for the first winter and plant them out in early summer. Division in spring.