Bupleurum rotundifolium L.

Annual, 3–6 dm, glabrous and glaucous; lower lvs oblong to obovate, sessile or somewhat petiolate; upper lvs perfoliate, ovate, 2–5 cm; umbels peduncled, the 4–10 rays spreading or ascending, 0.5–2 cm; bracts none; bractlets broadly ovate to elliptic, acuminate, 8–12 mm, much surpassing the subsessile fls; fr dark brown or black, oblong-elliptic, 2.5–3 mm, obscurely ribbed; 2n=16. Native of Europe and w. Asia, established as a weed in fields and waste places from s. N.Y. to s. Ind. and Kans., s. to N.C. and Ark., and occasionally adventive elsewhere. May, June.

It grows in dry open habitats. It grows best in well-drained alkaline soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

The leaves are eaten raw in salads and as a pot-herb. It is also used as a spice.

It can be grown from seed. The seed should be planted where the plants are to grow.