Laserpitium latifolium aka Broadleaf Sermountain

Laserpitium latifolium is also known as laserwort. It belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is a perennial, so it lives for several years. It is native to temperate parts of Europe. Records cover the north, centre, east, and south of Europe. They include Scandinavia, France, Spain, Italy, and much of central Europe. The RHS does not list it as native to Britain or Ireland. In the wild, it grows in woods and rocky mountain sites.

Laserwort grows to about 5 feet [1.5 metres] tall. It can form a lasting part of a planting. It blooms from June to August. Its seeds ripen from July to September. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. The plant is also self-fertile: it can set seed with its own pollen. The bloom and seed seasons overlap through much of summer.

Grow this plant in sun or part shade, including light woodland. A sunny woodland edge or a spot with dappled shade suits it. It likes moist soil and grows in normal garden ground. It accepts sand, loam, and clay soils. This gives gardeners a choice of soils for planting. Soil can range from mildly acid through neutral to mildly alkaline. Plants For A Future says it is easy to grow. The source also says it is not frost tender. The evidence gives no exact hardiness zone or lowest winter temperature.

Grow laserwort from seed, or divide plants to make more. Sow seed in a cold frame in spring. Move young plants into their own pots when large enough to handle. Keep them in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after expected frosts. Its height and ability to grow in light shade suit woodland edges. The supplied account does not flag it as a weed.

Records note the root's use to flavour food. One past account says Romans paired it with cumin to season preserved artichokes. Records also note use in beer of a decoction made from seeds. Plants For A Future gives its food value a low rating. It notes past use as a stomach remedy and tonic. It gives these uses a low rating too. These past uses do not prove that it has health benefits. The source lists no known hazards. This does not mean it is safe for every use.