Ferula narthex aka Ferula

Ferula narthex is a tall perennial in the Apiaceae family. Its native range runs from Afghanistan into Central Asia and the western Himalaya. Records include Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir in India. It grows in temperate regions. One habitat account places it on grassy slopes in Tibet. Those sites lie around 11,800 feet [3,600 metres] above sea level. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant reaches about 8.2 feet [2.5 metres] in height. It has a long taproot and a strong smell throughout. The root needs room to grow deep into the soil. Flowers appear in July, and seeds ripen in August. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers, and the plant is self-fertile. Its height makes it a tall plant for cultivated beds.

Choose a sunny site with deep, fertile soil. This species cannot grow in shade. It accepts sandy, loamy, or clay soils with good drainage. It also accepts mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline soil. Soil may be dry or moist, but drainage remains important. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 7–10. It reports cold tolerance of about −5 to −10°C. The plant may fail in colder parts of Britain.

Set young plants in their final sites while still small. Their roots do not cope well with disturbance. PFAF advises a protective mulch for their first winter outdoors. Sow fresh seed under glass in autumn, or sow in April. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Autumn division is possible, but it risks disturbing the taproot. Seed offers a way to avoid dividing established plants.

People cook the leaves and young shoots as greens. Cuts in the roots yield a gum called asafoetida. This gum serves as a seasoning and has medicinal uses. Traditional uses include remedies for worms, spasms, and chest complaints. The leaves also have a history of medicinal use. Researchers have investigated the plant as a possible contraceptive. These reports do not establish safe or effective home treatments. PFAF lists no known hazards, but that does not prove safety. It does not flag this species as weedy.