Dropwort
Filipendula vulgaris
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Pl. DE3F — Filipendula vulgaris
Filipendula vulgarisFilipendula vulgarisFilipendula vulgarisFilipendula vulgarisFilipendula vulgarisFilipendula vulgarisFilipendula vulgarisFilipendula vulgarisFilipendula vulgarisFilipendula vulgarisFilipendula vulgarisFilipendula vulgarisFilipendula vulgarisFilipendula vulgaris
IOverview
Overview
Dropwort (Filipendula vulgaris) is a perennial herb found across Europe and into Asia, from the British Isles to Turkey and Iran. Known for its edible leaves and roots, it thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH of 7.5–8. Native to Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, and other regions, this plant is adaptable to various climates and soils but prefers dry to moist conditions. Its distinctive features include a height of about 0.8 meters and an airy habit that makes it suitable for ornamental gardens as well. The light energy rating suggests it requires moderate sunlight.
Quick answers
What is Dropwort?
Dropwort (Filipendula vulgaris) is a perennial herb found across Europe and into Asia, from the British Isles to Turkey and Iran. Known for its edible leaves and roots, it thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH of 7.5–8.
What is Dropwort used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Dropwort
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Dropwort has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support digestive health, particularly for alleviating symptoms of indigestion and bloating. A decoction made from the roots is commonly recommended.
The mechanism by which Dropwort supports digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that help regulate gastrointestinal motility and reduce inflammation in the gut lining.
- Dropwort has been traditionally used to support immune function, particularly during seasonal changes when the body may be more susceptible to illness. A tea made from the leaves is often recommended.
The mechanism by which Dropwort supports immune health is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Dropwort support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Dropwort thrives in light to medium soil and prefers a slightly alkaline pH of 7.5-8. It is hardy in temperate regions with zones ranging from 3 to 10. This perennial plant requires moist but not overly dry conditions, making it suitable for areas that can experience both drought and occasional rainfall. For best results, provide full sun to partial shade. Dropwort grows up to 0.8 meters tall and is easy to propagate through division in the spring or fall. Its edible leaves and roots can be enjoyed as part of your garden's culinary offerings.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.8 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Dropwort for the first time
8steps
Start with Dropwort as a simple perennial in your garden for its easy care and attractive foliage.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Dropwort plant or seeds, a trowel, compost, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure pH between 7.5–8.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly in the garden after danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and mulch around the plant.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water during dry spells and deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Divide every 3-5 years for best health.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and remove any dead foliage.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting to divide the plant regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The dropwort plant (Filipendula vulgaris) is edible and its leaves and roots can be consumed. The leaves are often used fresh in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Roots can also be eaten raw or cooked, providing a mild flavor to dishes. Both parts are typically enjoyed when harvested from the native range including Albania, Algeria, Austria, and Belarus.
Other uses:Ground coverFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe18 regions
native (18)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNorwayPolandPortugalRussiaUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)IranKazakhstan
Africa1 region
native (1)Morocco
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Kirgizstan
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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