Levisticum: The Towering Herb That’s Making a Garden Comeback
If you’ve never heard of levisticum, you’re not alone! This robust perennial herb has been quietly growing in gardens across North America, and it’s time this underappreciated plant got the attention it deserves. While it may not be a household name like basil or oregano, levisticum brings both culinary potential and impressive garden presence that might just surprise you.
What Exactly Is Levisticum?
Levisticum is a perennial forb – basically a non-woody plant that comes back year after year. Think of it as the gentle giant of the herb world. This plant belongs to the same family as carrots and parsley, and it shows! The umbrella-shaped flower clusters and feathery foliage give it away as a member of this aromatic clan.
As a non-native species, levisticum originally hails from distant lands but has made itself quite at home in North American gardens. It’s established populations across a surprising number of states and provinces, from Nova Scotia down to New Mexico, showing just how adaptable this plant can be.
Where You’ll Find Levisticum Growing Wild
This hardy herb has spread its roots (quite literally) across an impressive range of North American locations. You might stumble upon it growing in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Colorado, Connecticut, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Should You Grow Levisticum in Your Garden?
Here’s the thing about levisticum – it’s a plant that tends to fly under the radar, but it can be a wonderful addition to the right garden. Since it’s not native to North America and we don’t have complete information about its ecological impact, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons thoughtfully.
The Case for Growing Levisticum:
- It’s a reliable perennial that comes back year after year
- The architectural height and form add structure to garden beds
- Those umbrella-shaped flowers attract beneficial insects
- It’s surprisingly low-maintenance once established
- The foliage provides interesting texture in mixed plantings
Things to Consider:
- As a non-native plant, it doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as indigenous species
- It can self-seed and spread in favorable conditions
- Native alternatives might better support local wildlife
Growing Levisticum Successfully
If you decide to give levisticum a try, you’ll find it’s surprisingly easygoing. This perennial forb appreciates rich, moist soil and can handle anything from full sun to partial shade. It’s generally hardy in USDA zones 4-8, making it suitable for most temperate gardens.
Planting and Care Tips:
- Choose a spot with rich, well-draining soil that stays consistently moist
- Give it plenty of space – this plant can reach 4-6 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
- Plant in spring after the last frost
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells
- Divide clumps every few years to keep plants vigorous
- Harvest leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth
Design Ideas and Garden Roles
Levisticum works beautifully as a backdrop plant in perennial borders, where its height and sturdy stems provide structure behind shorter plants. It’s also at home in herb gardens, cottage garden settings, or anywhere you want to add some vertical interest with a plant that has both form and function.
The umbrella-shaped flower clusters bloom in summer, creating landing platforms for beneficial insects and adding a delicate contrast to the plant’s bold foliage. It’s one of those plants that looks intentional and wild at the same time – perfect for gardeners who like a slightly untamed aesthetic.
Native Alternatives to Consider
While levisticum can be a lovely garden addition, consider exploring native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems. Native plants in the same family, such as wild parsnip or various native umbellifers, can offer comparable garden interest while providing crucial habitat for native insects and wildlife.
Your local native plant society or extension office can help you identify indigenous species that would thrive in your specific location and provide even greater ecological benefits than this non-native option.
The Bottom Line
Levisticum is one of those plants that proves you don’t always need flashy flowers or exotic origins to make a garden impact. This sturdy perennial offers reliable performance, interesting architecture, and a touch of old-world charm. While it may not be native to our landscapes, it can certainly earn its place in the right garden setting – just remember to keep an eye on its spreading tendencies and consider native alternatives that might serve your garden and local wildlife even better.
