Celery leaved Licorice root is a subtle native perennial that is widespread in the western third of the state. In late spring umbels of white flowers are symmetrical and beckon to a host of pollinators. Especially attractive to native wasp species that are good and that predate bad caterpillars. The arrow shaped glossy deep green divided leaves provide a handsome collar for the subtle flowers in bloom. The entire plant tastes and smells very strongly of anise and as children on hikes we would eat the green seeds before they ripened for a blasting hit of licorice. To 2′ x 2′ forming long lived clumps in part shade to full sun. Prolific in the Willamette Valley and able to compete somewhat with non-natives. Water to establish plants from containers in rich soil with consistent irrigation until about the Fourth of July. then it can go dry. Self sows moderately. A common component of Oregon oak woodlands. Often found with Phacelia heterophylla and Polysticum minutum (Western Sword Fern). Oregon native plant.
Ligusticum apiifolium
Family: Apiaceae Genus: Ligusticum
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Biomes/Growing conditions: Deer Resistance, Dry Shade, Low Water/No Water, Variable, Willamette Valley Natives
Sun exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
USDA Hardiness zone: Zn5b -10º to -15ºF
Foliage color: Mid Green
Foliage season: Winter Deciduous