Lovage (Levisticum Officinale)

Features and Characteristics

Levisticum officinale, commonly called lovage, is a culinary herb that is often grown in herb gardens for the celery-like flavor of its leaves, stems, roots and seeds. A somewhat imposing plant that can reach 6′ in height. Small umbels of tiny, greenish-yellow flowers appear in spring. Ternately compound, deeply divided, dark green leaves resemble flattened parsley or celery leaves. Leaves are used in flavoring salads, soups, sauces, stews and vegetables. Seeds are used in meat dishes, casseroles and soups. Roots can be grated for use in salads or used to make tea. Although lovage is primarily considered an herb, the stems can be blanched and used as a vegetable. Oil was formerly used in Europe in the preparation of a love potion. Has escaped cultivation and naturalized in many parts of the U.S.

Genus name comes from the Greek lithostikon that was used for an unidentified plant.

Specific epithet means sold in shops.