Ligusticum porteri aka Porter's Licorice Root

Ligusticum porteri belongs to the carrot family, Apiaceae. It is a perennial: it lives for several years, not one season. People call it Porter's licorice root and chuchupate. Its native range runs from the west-central United States into Mexico. Kew lists three Mexican states: Sonora, Chihuahua and Durango. It grows in temperate zones and in the mountains. Its sites include high meadows and ravines. It also grows in moist, rich soil near the timberline. Reported sites reach about 6,560–11,480 feet [2,000–3,500 metres] above sea level.

Grown in gardens, plants reach about 3 feet [0.9 metres] tall. They spread about 2 feet [0.6 metres] wide. This size suits a place in a garden bed. Each flower has both male and female parts. Insects bring pollen to the flowers. The plant is self-fertile: its own pollen can fertilize its flowers. The supplied species accounts give no dates for bloom. They give no fruit details, either. They also give no details of this species' stems or leaves.

Choose a sunny site with soil that drains well. Plants For A Future says it cannot grow in shade. It accepts sand, loam and clay if they drain well. Soil may be mildly acid, neutral or mildly alkaline. It can grow in dry or moist soil. This holds true despite its moist mountain sites in the wild. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 5–9. It also reports survival down to at least 5°F [-15°C].

Grow new plants from seed or by spring division. Sow fresh seed in a cold frame in autumn. Sow stored seed early in the year under glass. Move each seedling to its own pot when large enough to handle. Strong young plants can go to their final sites in summer. Small plants may need a cold frame for their first winter. Plant those out in early summer the next year. The supplied accounts name no pests or diseases of this plant. Plants For A Future does not flag it as a weed risk.

Use the leaves as a seasoning with a celery-like taste, not a main food. Plants For A Future gives it a low rating for food use. It records use of the roots, seeds and their essential oils as medicine. Past uses include gut complaints and bronchial infections. They also include toothache and pain during periods. These records do not show that such treatments work or are safe. The source lists no known hazards. That does not prove the plant is safe.