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Common Name: Spignel

General Information

Meum athamanticum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.45 metres tall.
It has uses.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to Spain, Germany and the Balkans.

Habitat

Grassy places in mountainous districts[], usually on limestone soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.45 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows well in almost any fertile well-drained moderately retentive soil in a sunny position[].
This species was formerly cultivated for its edible root[].
All parts of the plant, especially the roots, are aromatic with a scent like melilot (Melilotus officinalis)[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer or the following spring[].
Division in autumn[]. Large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.