Levisticum officinale W.D.J.Koch

Plants 1–2.5 m, aromatic. Rhizome stout, 4–5 cm thick. Stem purplish green, lower branches alternate, upper branches opposite or whorled. Basal and lower leaves long-petiolate, sheaths purple-red; blade broadly-triangular-ovate, 2–3-pinnate, pinnae all petiolulate; ultimate segments obovate or rhombic-ovate, 4–11 × 2–7 cm, 2–3-lobed, with a few coarse teeth. Umbels ca. 12 cm across; bracts 7–11, lanceolate, reflexed, scabrous, white-scarious-margined; rays 12–20, subequal; bracteoles 8–11, similar to bracts. Fruit brown, 5–7 × 3–4 mm. Fl. Jun–Aug, fr. Aug–Sep. n = 11.

It is a temperate plant. It grows best where there are temperatures of 6 to 18°C with 0.5 to 1.5 meters annual rainfall and a soil pH of 5.0 to 7. Lovage thrives in deep, moist, rich soils and can grow in full sun or lightly shaded areas. It suits hardiness zones 3-10.

The seeds and seed oil are used for flavoring agents in confectionery and liqueurs. The stems are used for candied products. The young leaves are added to salads, soups, and stews because of their pungent, celery-like flavor. They can be dried and stored. The roots are peeled and cooked like celery-root. The flowers are eaten.

Plants can be grown from seed or by division.