Lovage is an upright perennial herb in our zone (7) The taste and smell are reminiscent both of celery and parsley only more intense and spicy than either. The seeds can be used in the same way as celery seeds. Lovage compliments a large number of foods. The leaves can be used in salads, soups, and anything containing pork, poultry, and strongly flavored fish but be careful since it's quite powerful. The young leaves are the most widely used part which can be picked in spring and summer and have a mild, sweet celery flavor with a hint of aniseed. The young stalks can also be blanched like celery, cooked or candied like angelica, and the seeds can be used in baking. Even the roots are edible. Care Like its near-relative celery, lovage likes plenty of moisture in the soil, but not waterlogged conditions. Plants may need additional watering in hot summer weather, especially if growing in full sun or free-draining soil. Lovage grows best in full sun, but will tolerate part shade. Best grown in zones 4-8. Growth Habits Lovage is a perennial, so will live for several years and can grow quite large over time – up to 3 feet across, with flower stems up to 6 feet tall. Make sure you have enough space for it. Lovage can be planted in containers but grows best in the ground. Lovage is said to be the principal ingredient in many diuretic tea mixtures and is used to treat kidney stones, jaundice, malaria, sore throat, pleurisy, rheumatism, gout and boils. Toxicity While humans might enjoy Lovage without a second thought, dogs could experience mild upset stomachs if they consume too much. It's not that Lovage is inherently toxic to dogs; it's more about their smaller size and different metabolism.
