Ferula caspica M.Bieb.

Plants 30–60 cm. Root fusiform; caudex branched. Stem single, rarely 2–3, slender, 2 × paniculate-branched, branches alternate, branchlets opposite or alternate. Basal leaves short-petiolate; blade broadly ovate, 3-pinnate/pinnatifid; ultimate segments ovate, usually lobed, lobules lanceolate, both surfaces roughened, hispid, apex acute, deciduous. Compound umbels terminal, simple umbels lateral on branches and branchlets, 1–3, opposite or verticillate, umbels 1.5–3 cm across; bracts and bracteoles absent; rays 1–6, subequal; umbellules 8–10(–15)-flowered. Stylopodium low-conic, base dilated; styles elongate. Fruit ellipsoid, ca. 4–5(–9) × 3–4(–7) mm; lateral ribs narrowly winged; vittae 1 in each furrow, 2 on commissure. Fl. and fr. May–Jul.

Dry saline soils in S. and E. Ukraine and south-eastern. Russia. Low mountain slopes in rocky crevices in northern Tibet.

The young stems are peeled and eaten. The leaves are cooked and eaten and used in pickles.

Can be grown by seedlings.