Ferula gummosa aka Galbanum

Ferula gummosa is a perennial herb known as galbanum. It belongs to Apiaceae, the carrot family. Its native range spans Turkmenistan and northern and central Iran. PFAF treats its presence in Turkmenistan as uncertain. It grows on grassy slopes in steppe habitats. Kew places it within the temperate climate zone. The RHS also lists the name Ferula galbaniflua as a synonym.

Plants reach about 3.3 feet (1 metre) tall and wide. A long taproot makes them sensitive to root disturbance. This matters when moving young plants into garden beds. PFAF advises planting them in their final place while small. Flowers appear from May to June and have an unpleasant scent. Each flower has both male and female organs. Flies pollinate them, and plants can also set seed through self-fertilisation. Seeds ripen between June and August.

Give galbanum full sun and deep, fertile soil. It does not grow in shade. It accepts sandy soil, loam, and clay, provided water drains well. Suitable soil can be mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline. The plant accepts both dry and moist ground. PFAF lists USDA zones 5–9, but its cold-tolerance reports differ. One gives a lower limit between 14°F and 23°F (−10°C and −5°C). Another reports survival at 5°F (−15°C). These reports leave some uncertainty about performance in colder gardens.

Gardeners can raise plants from seed under glass. PFAF suggests sowing fresh seed in autumn, or sowing in April. Move seedlings into separate pots once they can be handled. Plant them out while young to limit damage to roots. A protective mulch is advised for their first winter outdoors. Autumn division is possible, but risks disturbing the taproot. Cultivated beds provide a garden setting for this species.

The plant produces an aromatic gum resin called galbanum. The root contains this resin, as do other plant parts. Cuts in the root or stem allow people to collect it. Root resin serves as a food flavouring with a celery-like taste. Galbanum also has a history of use in incense. Traditional medicine uses it for chest, digestive, and skin complaints. These recorded uses do not establish its safety or effectiveness. PFAF reports no known hazards and flags no weed potential.