description
Ligusticum porteri is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family that grows from 50
to 100 cm tall or more. During winter months, the above-ground parts of the plant die back to a
thick, woody and very aromatic rootstock.
The plant has deeply incised,
elliptic or lance-shaped leaf segments that are 5 to 40 mm in width with
larger basal leaves. The white flowers appear during late summer, and are
approximately 2 to 5 mm in diameter with five petals. They are grouped in
flat-topped, compound umbels and are followed by reddish, oblong, ribbed
fruits 5 to 8 mm in length.
common names & nomenclature
The species name porteri is in honor of the botanist and Christian clergyman Thomas
Conrad Porter (1822–1901). It is believed that osha means "bear" in a Native
American language. However the original language is not known.
Also known as:
osha root, loveroot, lovage, porter's lovage, porter's ligusticum, osha, chuchupate, chuchupatle, wild parsley, colorado cough root, mountain ginseng, mountain carrot, nipo, indian root, wild lovage, empress of the dark forest, bear medicine. loveroot, colorado cough root, porter's licorice root
climate
Osha is strictly a mountain plant. This plant is dependent on mycorrhizal fungi, and
attempts to artificially cultivate the plant outside of its habitat have not
been successful. Osha requires partial shade.
soil
Prefers a deep, moist soil rich in organic material.
growing
The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in the autumn.
Plant the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to
handle and then plant them out into their permanent locations in the summer
if they have grown large enough. Otherwise, keep them in a cold frame for
the first winter and plant them out in early summer. Can also propagate by
division in spring.
harvesting
The root is harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried.
preserving
Store the dried root in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
