Lovage

Levisticum officinale

Invasive in New England
Culinary herb

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Human edibility

Not researched

Edible parts

Not yet checked.

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

volatile oils, phthalide lactones (ASPCA)

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Toxic to pets at the scope stated in the source line. Keep it away from dogs and cats. Scope of the source: species. ASPCA gives the same signs for pets.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: NC State: USDA zones 4a to 9b.
Mature size: NC State: mature height of 6 feet with a 3 foot spread. Illinois: 4-6 ft. Maryland: 36-48 in tall, space 30 in apart.
Family: Apiaceae (carrot family)
Where it comes from: NC State: eastern Mediterranean; Iran, Afghanistan, Europe; naturalized in Canada and the northern US.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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