Lovage - Levisticum officinale
A perennial culinary herb often grown for the celery-like flavor of its leaves, stems, roots, and seeds. Small umbels of tiny, showy, green-yellow flowers appear in spring. Deeply divided, dark green leaves resemble flattened parsley or celery leaves. These leaves are used in flavoring salads, soups, sauces, and vegetables. The seeds are used in meat dishes, casseroles, and soups. The 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. The oil was formerly used in Europe in the preparation of a love potion. Great for herb gardens, lovage also has terrific ornamental value and a good height for a back corners or for naturalized areas. Grow in medium moisture, well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. The periodic hard cutback of some stems during the growing season will encourage production of a continuing supply of fresh, new leaves. Deer tolerant. 3-6'H x 2-3'W. USDA Zones 4-8.