Is Mountain Lovage edible?

Yes — Mountain Lovage (Ligusticum mutellina) is catalogued as edible in this database. Always confirm species ID before harvest and source from clean ground.

How should Mountain Lovage be stored?

Dried Mountain Lovage keeps 12–18 months in an airtight glass jar away from direct sunlight and moisture. Volatile-oil constituents degrade faster — buy in small quantities and use within 6 months of opening for peak potency. Refrigerate tinctures once opened.

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Mountain Lovage

Ligusticum mutellina

Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →

edible perennialedible

Updated14 October 2026·Quick Q&A →

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Ligusticum mutellina (Mountain Lovage) — botanical photograph

Pl. 177A — Ligusticum mutellina

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Overview

Mountain Lovage (Ligusticum mutellina) is a perennial plant native to the Balkans and Central Europe, including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, Ukraine, and Yugoslavia. This member of the Apiaceae family grows up to 0.5 meters tall and thrives in moist, light to heavy soil types, preferring full sun. Known for its edible leaves, it has been cultivated for culinary use, particularly for making teas. The plant's adaptability and hardiness in zones 5-9 make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes, where it can flourish without much fuss. Its light and airy nature, along with its ability to grow in various soil types, makes it a versatile choice for gardeners in these regions. While primarily used for its culinary benefits, Mountain Lovage's presence in the garden can also serve as an ornamental element, adding a touch of natural beauty to the landscape.

Quick answers

What is Mountain Lovage?

Full Q&A reference →

Growingconditions · propagation · uses

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.

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves

Edible uses: Tea

Contextrange · companions · related

VII

Distribution

13 native · 0 introduced

Distribution across1 continent· 13 native

Europe11 regions

native (11)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceItalyPolandRomaniaSwitzerlandUkraine

Broader regions

native:Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia

Specimen gallery

1 image

Explore further

Companion planting

Mountain Lovage companions →

Growing zone

USDA zone 5-9

Native to

Albania Austria Bulgaria

XII

About this entry

Last updated: 14 October 2026
Citation: How to cite this entry · Submit a correction

Back to the cataloguePlant id · 177aea35-e075-4b19-9be0-d664f4ab172b

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iCare notes

Mountain Lovage

Overview

What is Mountain Lovage?

Cultivation

How to grow Mountain Lovage for the first time

What you'll need

Best time to plant

Soil and container prep

Sowing or transplanting

First two weeks

Ongoing care

Harvest or pruning

Common mistakes