Hare's Ear
Bupleurum rotundifolium
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Pl. 3AFF — Bupleurum rotundifolium
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IOverview
Overview
Hare's Ear (Bupleurum rotundifolium) is an annual forb or herb native to a wide range of European and Asian countries including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Known for its edible leaves, this plant thrives in light and medium soil conditions that are dry to moist, with a preference for a pH between 8 and 9. Found across Central Europe, the Balkans, and parts of Asia, Hare's Ear is hardy in zones 5-9 and can grow up to 0.4 meters tall. Its distinctive feature lies in its light, airy form that makes it an ornamental addition to gardens while also serving as a source of edible greens.
Quick answers
What is Hare's Ear?
Hare's Ear (Bupleurum rotundifolium) is an annual forb or herb native to a wide range of European and Asian countries including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Known for its edible leaves, this plant thrives in light and medium soil conditions that are dry to moist, with a preference for a pH between 8 and 9.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Hare's Ear (Bupleurum rotundifolium) thrives in light to partial shade and prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soils with a pH of 8-9. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 5-9 and grows up to 0.4 meters tall as an annual forb/herb. Ensure the soil remains dry to moist, and water regularly during dry spells. Propagate through seeds or division in spring. Harvest the leaves for culinary use.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.4 m tall
Soil pH
8–9
For first-time growers
How to grow Hare's Ear for the first time
8steps
Start with Hare's Ear as a simple herb for beginners, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix with a slightly alkaline pH (8-9). Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the soil surface, lightly cover. For transplants, use young plants and plant them at the same depth as they were in their original container.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot to encourage growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure good drainage. Provide partial shade during hot afternoons.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems to maintain plant health. Harvest young leaves for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough partial shade, neglecting drainage.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Hare's Ear (Bupleurum rotundifolium) are edible and can be consumed fresh or dried. They are typically used in salads when fresh or added to soups and stews after being dried and rehydrated. Skip the raw consumption as they may require preparation for better digestibility.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUkraine
Asia3 regions
native (3)IranTurkeyTurkmenistan
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Turkey-in-Europe, Czechoslovakia, Transcaucasus, Kirgizstan
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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