Ligusticum scoticum

Ligusticum scoticum
Ligusticum scoticum on a beach in Iceland
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Ligusticum
Species:
L. scoticum
Binomial name
Ligusticum scoticum
Synonyms 
  • Ligusticum scothicum L.
  • Haloscias scoticum (L.) Fr.

Ligusticum scoticum, known as Scots lovage, or Scottish licorice-root, is a perennial flowering plant in the celery family, Apiaceae. It grows up to 60 centimetres (24 in) tall and is found in rock crevices and cliff-top grassland. It is closely related to, and possibly conspecific with, Ligusticum hultenii from the coast of the northern Pacific Ocean.

Scots lovage is found near the coasts of northern Europe and north-eastern North America. The plant is edible and contains the compound sotolon, which is also present in fenugreek. The leaves have a flavour similar to parsley or celery, while the seeds taste similar to fenugreek or cumin.