Lovage
Levisticum officinale

Zone: 5-8
Height: 4 - 6'
Description:

General: A very large ornamental specimen. Leaves and stalks used for celery-like flavor in main dishes, soups and sauces; seeds in candies. Tea made with the leaves is supposed to act as a stimulant and digestive tonic internally or, have antiseptic properties when applied externally. Cut back to ground in fall.

Culinary Uses: Lovage is a favorite flavor in Britain and southeastern Europe. The leaves are used in soups, stocks, flavored vinegars, pickles, stews, and salads. In Italy, lovage is used with oregano and garlic for tomato sauces. The seeds are sprinkled over salads and mashed potatoes and are crushed for breads, pastries, biscuits, and cheese. The flavor of lovage is reminiscent of anise and celery.

Medicinal Uses: Lovage has been used as a natural herbal remedy to relieve abdominal pain due to gas to reduce flatulence, and as a treatment for colic in children. It has been used as a natural diuretic, as well as a treatment for kidney stones. The anti-inflammatory properties of lovage have made it useful as relief for allergies.

Ornamental Uses: Stout, umbelliferous plant that resembles angelica. Their leaves are dark green and when bruised give out an aromatic odor. The plant bears umbels of yellow flowers similar to that of fennel, followed by small, extremely aromatic fruits, yellowish-brown in color and elliptical in shape.

Uses*: ,
*Research all plants before use. Silverleaf doesn't condone or endorse any medicinal plant use. Any one planning to use plants for medical purposes should check with a physician first.