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Description
Peucedanum Officinale, commonly known as Hog’s Fennel or Sulphurwort, is a biennial plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and grows up to 2 meters tall. The plant has a strong and unpleasant odor, which is why it is also known as Stinking Ashwort. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Peucedanum |
Appearance
Peucedanum Officinale has a green stem that is smooth and hairless. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and are pinnate with a length of up to 40 cm. The flowers are small and yellow-green in color, arranged in umbels that can reach up to 20 cm in diameter. The fruit is a dry schizocarp with two seeds. The plant has a strong and unpleasant odor.
Care Guide
Peucedanum Officinale prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It requires full sun to partial shade and can tolerate temperatures down to -20°C. The plant needs moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist. Fertilization should be done once in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Peucedanum Officinale is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Peucedanum Officinale is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. Pests that commonly affect the plant include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. To prevent these issues, ensure proper spacing between plants, provide adequate air circulation, and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Peucedanum Officinale is native to Europe and Western Asia and can be found in meadows, roadsides, and waste places. It prefers well-drained soil and can grow in both full sun and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Peucedanum Officinale edible?
A: No, Peucedanum Officinale is not edible and can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Peucedanum Officinale?
A: Peucedanum Officinale has been used in traditional medicine for its diuretic, digestive, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Q: How long does it take for Peucedanum Officinale to flower?
A: Peucedanum Officinale is a biennial plant, and it typically takes two years to flower.
Q: How tall can Peucedanum Officinale grow?
A: Peucedanum Officinale can grow up to 2 meters tall.
Related Plants
- Peucedanum praeruptorum
- Peucedanum galbanum
- Peucedanum palustre
- Peucedanum ostruthium
References
- https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Peucedanum+officinale
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/peucedanum-officinale
- http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287764
