Meum athamanticum aka Spignel

Taxonomy

Meum athamanticum, also known as Baldmoney, Spignel, or Meu, is a glabrous, highly aromatic perennial plant. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Meum, belonging to the family Apiaceae. This plant is found in grasslands, particularly on limestone, in mountainous regions of Western and Central Europe. Its range extends as far south as the Sierra Nevada in Spain and central Bulgaria in the Balkans. While not very common in the UK, it can be found in a few localities in Northern England and Wales, and is slightly more plentiful in Scotland. Cultivated in Scotland, the roots of Meum athamanticum have been consumed as a root vegetable. The delicate, feathery foliage is used as a condiment and in the preparation of various home remedies. It is believed to have diuretic properties and has been used to control menstruation, treat uterine complaints, catarrh, hysteria, and stomach ailments. The roots of Meum have a similar scent to Levisticum officinale and Angelica archangelica, both of which are edible and medicinal umbellifers. The aromatic flavor of Meum leaves resembles that of Melilot, and when cows feed on the foliage in spring, the flavor is transferred to milk and butter. The name "Baldmoney" is derived from the god Baldr of Scandinavian mythology, to whom the plant was dedicated. In German, it is known as Bärwurz, referring to both the plant and a variety of Bavarian schnapps flavored with its extract. Meum athamanticum is characterized by its herbaceous perennial nature and finely divided, aromatic leaves. It produces small white flowers clustered into umbels during early to midsummer.

Common names

Spignel, Bald Money, Spignel Meu

How to care for Spignel

Difficulty

Spignel presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Lighting

Spignel thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Spignel Meu.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Spignel to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia