1. Levisticum officinale W.D.J. Koch (lovage)
L.
paludapifolium (Lam.)
Asch.
Pl. 208 a, b;
Map 865
Plants annual.
Stems 80–200 cm long, erect or ascending, glabrous, sometimes slightly
purplish-tinged. Leaves alternate and sometimes also basal (a few basal leaves
occasionally present at flowering), glabrous, often somewhat glaucous, mostly
short-petiolate, the sheathing bases not or only slightly inflated. Leaf blades
4–60 cm long, ovate to broadly triangular-ovate in outline, those of the basal
and lowermost stem leaves ternately or more commonly pinnately 2 or 3 times
compound, the leaflets 30–110 mm long, narrowly oblong to broadly ovate,
narrowed at the base, usually coarsely toothed or lobed, the lobes narrowed or
tapered to a sharp point at the tip; the leaflets of the median and upper stem
leaves progressively reduced, the uppermost leaflets 1 time pinnately compound
or lobed, sometimes simple. Inflorescences terminal and axillary, compound
umbels, mostly long-stalked, the stalks glabrous or minutely roughened.
Involucre of numerous bracts, these shorter than the rays, spreading to
reflexed at flowering, lanceolate to narrowly lanceolate, with thin, papery
margins and sharply pointed tips. Rays 12–20, 0.8–3.0 cm long, roughened.
Involucel of numerous bractlets, these mostly longer than the flower stalks,
similar to the bracts but smaller. Flowers mostly numerous in each umbellet,
the stalks 1–5 mm long, roughened. Sepals absent. Petals obovate, rounded or
shallowly notched at the tip, yellow to greenish yellow. Ovaries glabrous.
Fruits 4–7 mm long, oblong-elliptic in outline, flattened dorsally, glabrous,
dark brown with pale ribs, the mericarps with the lateral and sometimes also
the intermediate and dorsal ribs with narrow, corky wings. 2n=22. June–August.
Introduced,
uncommon in eastern Missouri (native of Europe; introduced sporadically in the
U.S.). Roadsides and open, disturbed areas.
Lovage is
cultivated as an herb, for its medicinal, culinary, and other uses. Medicinally
it has been used mainly as a sedative and anticonvulsant, and to treat sores.
Fruits are sometimes steeped in brandy for use as a digestive aid. The foliage
and fruits are used as a flavoring on salads and in baked goods, as well as
soups and stews. The aromatic oils also provide fragrance for soaps, bath oils,
and potpourri. The common name lovage apparently arose because of the plant’s
reputation in folklore as an ingredient in love potions.