Masterwort
Peucedanum ostruthium
Syn. Imperatoria ostruthium, Selenium ostruthium
Family: Apiaceae
Herbaceous perennial. Native to Central Europe and Asia.
This is a heavy-stemmed, Angelica-like plant, an example of very old medicine
which survives yet into our age. Excellent show-plant for historical
or unusual medicinal gardens. The root, according to Culpepper, “is
of a rare quality against all sorts of cold poison, to be taken as there
is a cause; it provoketh sweat.” Cultivation: Extra care.
Sow in fall, midwinter or very early spring. Expect germination as
the ground warms up. Space plants 1 to 2 feet apart. Prefers
moist soil and a sunny location. Flowers in white umbels, to 2 feet
tall.
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