LOVAGE. 409 



LOVAGE. 



Ligusticum levisticum. 



Lovage is a hardy, perennial plant, with a hollow, chan- 

 nelled, branching stem six or seven feet high. The leaves 

 are winged, smooth, deep glossy-green, and somewhat re- 

 semble those of Celery ; the flowers are yellow, and pro- 

 duced in large umbels at the extremities of the branches ; 

 the seeds are oblong, striated, of a pale yellowish-brown 

 color, and retain their germinative powers but one year. 



Soil, Propagation, and Culture. Lovage requires a deep, 

 rich, moist soil, and is propagated either by seeds or di- 

 viding the roots. The seeds should be sown in August, or 

 immediately after ripening, as. when sown in spring, they 

 seldom vegetate well. When the young plants have made a 

 growth of two or three inches, they should be transplanted 

 three feet apart in each direction, and, when well established, 

 will require little care, and continue for many years. 



The roots may be divided in spring or autumn, and should 

 be set three feet apart, as directed for seedling plants, cover- 

 ing the crowns three inches deep. 



Use. Lovage was formerly cultivated as an esculent ; 

 but its use as such has long been discontinued. It is now 

 cultivated for its medicinal properties, both the seeds and 

 roots being used. The latter are large, fleshy, dark brown 

 without, yellowish within, and of a peculiar, warm, aromatic 

 taste. They are sliced and dried, and in this state are used 

 to some extent by confectioners. The seeds are similar to 

 the roots in taste and odor, but have greater pungency. In 

 appearance and flavor the plant is not unlike Celery. 



There are no varieties. 

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