Scots lovage

Ligusticum scoticum

herb

⚠️ Toxic look-alike

Never eat this plant unless you are certain it is not its toxic look-alike.

It grows on coastal rocks, often near hemlock water dropwort, one of the most toxic plants in Europe, and poison hemlock. Scots lovage has thick, glossy leaves divided three times into three leaflets, and a clear celery smell; water dropwort has finer leaves, a sap that turns yellow in the air and spindle-shaped roots. Water dropwort causes convulsions within an hour, often fatal.

If in the slightest doubt, leave it. If you feel unwell after eating it, even several hours later, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or 911.

Glossy leaves tasting of celery and parsley, raw or cooked as a seasoning.

Origin: North Atlantic coasts
Where to find it: On cliffs and shingle along the coast, from Scotland to Norway and Labrador; rare or protected in several countries, it should be picked sparingly.
Season (United States): April to August
Preparation: Leaves and young stems are washed and used like celery or parsley, raw or cooked for a few minutes.
Molecules: In small amounts, not counted Lutein and zeaxanthin · Falcarinol · Chlorophyll
Did you know?: In the Hebrides, it was eaten raw against scurvy.