Mountain Lovage
Ligusticum mutellina
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Pl. 177A — Ligusticum mutellina
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IOverview
Overview
Mountain Lovage (Ligusticum mutellina) is a perennial plant native to the Balkans and Central Europe, thriving in moist, light to heavy soil types. This member of the Apiaceae family grows up to 0.5 meters tall and prefers full sun. Known for its edible leaves, it has been cultivated for culinary use. Native to Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, this plant is also found in other parts of Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. Its light and adaptable nature make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes where it can flourish without much fuss.
Quick answers
What is Mountain Lovage?
Mountain Lovage (Ligusticum mutellina) is a perennial plant native to the Balkans and Central Europe, thriving in moist, light to heavy soil types. This member of the Apiaceae family grows up to 0.5 meters tall and prefers full sun. Known for its edible leaves, it has been cultivated for culinary use.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mountain Lovage thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows to about 0.5 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but well-draining. Propagate through division of mature plants or from seed. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mountain Lovage for the first time
8steps
Start with Mountain Lovage by ensuring you have the right conditions and care, making it a manageable project for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plant or seeds, a garden fork, compost, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure it gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants into the garden or sow seeds directly where they will grow. Space them about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Continue regular watering, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves in late winter to encourage new growth. Harvest young leaves as needed for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
13 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
13 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 13 native
Europe11 regions
native (11)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceItalyPolandRomaniaSwitzerlandUkraine
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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