Bunium bulbocastanum aka Black Zira

Bunium bulbocastanum, or great pignut, belongs to the Apiaceae family. Its native range covers western and southern Europe. The RHS describes it as a rare native in England. There, it survives at only a few sites. It grows in rough grassland and on chalk banks. It also occurs on dry chalk where disturbance leaves bare ground.

This herbaceous perennial grows from small underground tubers. It forms clumps and reaches about 2 feet (0.6 metres) tall. Its thin stems branch and bear finely cut leaves. The foliage falls away during the dormant season. White flowers grow in umbels at the stem tips. The seeds have a spicy taste and serve as a seasoning. The sources give no clear flowering dates or mature spread.

Choose a sunny place with soil that drains well. The RHS also lists partial shade as suitable. Neutral to alkaline soil suits this plant. It can grow in chalk, loam, or sand. Moist soil is suitable if excess water drains away. Its wild sites also include dry ground over chalk. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H5. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 4–8. Plants take two to five years to reach maturity.

Great pignut suits meadow plantings, beds, and informal gardens. The RHS also suggests it for gardens planned for wildlife. Young seedlings need patches of open soil to grow. Established plants can then thrive among meadow plants. Raise new plants from seed or divide large clumps. The plant needs no routine pruning. Dead stems can be cut back in early spring. The RHS reports few usual problems with pests or disease.

The tubers can be eaten raw or cooked. Cooked tubers have a flavour that recalls sweet chestnuts. Their small size makes them awkward to gather. The leaves can also be eaten raw or cooked. They serve as a garnish or a parsley-like flavouring. Both flowers and seeds can be used to season food. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. That report does not establish safety for pets. It also records an astringent use, with a low medicinal rating. It lists no other uses beyond those covered by its food and medicinal entries.