Levisticum officinale aka Lovage

Levisticum officinale, or lovage, is a perennial herb in Apiaceae. This is the carrot family. Kew places its native range from southern Iran to Afghanistan. Other garden sources place its origin around the eastern Mediterranean. It also grows in Europe and parts of North America. It forms tall, upright clumps and sheds its leaves each year.

Garden plants reach 3–6 feet [0.9–1.8 metres] in height. RHS gives a taller range, reaching 8.2 feet [2.5 metres]. Plants spread about 2–3.3 feet [0.6–1 metre]. Underground stems send out new roots and shoots. The hairless leaves grow in turn along the stems. Each leaf divides into two or three pinnate sections. Their toothed edges and deep cuts recall parsley or celery. The green leaves have a strong scent. They can remain from March through November.

Small yellow-green flowers form umbels in May and June. RHS also describes flowering during summer. Aromatic seeds follow the flowers, with harvest in autumn. Lovage attracts butterflies and suits herb gardens and mixed borders. Its height makes it useful near the back of beds. Sources also suggest wild gardens and naturalized sites. Deer tend to leave it alone. Leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and seeds all have food uses. Leaves season soups, salads, sauces, and stews with a celery-like taste. Blanched stems serve as a vegetable, while roots suit salads or tea. Flowers can go into soups and salads. Seeds add flavour to cooked dishes and baking.

Give lovage moist soil that drains well. It prefers deep, fertile loam but tolerates other soil types. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Full sun suits it best, though it also accepts partial shade. Sources list USDA zones 4–8, with NC State extending to 9. RHS rates it H6. Cut some stems back to renew the leaf crop. Remove old leaves in autumn. Start new plants from seed or divide them in spring. It self-seeds readily and can escape gardens. NC State reports invasive spread in New England.

Slugs, snails, leaf miners, celery worms, and tarnished plant bugs may attack. Blights and leaf spots can also occur. Despite its food uses, lovage has safety limits. Its oils can irritate, and NC State lists low human toxicity. It may increase urination. ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. PFAF advises avoiding it during pregnancy or with kidney or urinary inflammation.