[thedigalots]

Hi,

This has decided to make an appearance in the herb garden on our new allotment (we are newbies), can anyone identify what it is?  I suspect we've been cultivating a weed!



Thanks.

Adrian & Sarah

[Hey Jude]

I recognise it but for the life of me I can't think what it's called ......that's helpful isn't it  Someone will be along soon with the answer! Jude.

[Nikkithefoot]

I'd guess Angelica, but not certain.

[Endymion]

It could be Lovage, the leaves taste rather like hot celery.

[compostqueen]

looks like lovage

[trish25158]

Looks like celery to me

[sarajane]

If it grows four foot tall then its lovage.  Crush a leaf also and if it smells of celery its poss lovage.

[prakash_mib]

I vote for celery. 

[thedigalots]

Thanks people!

We're pretty much 100% convinced that it's celery, now it's been mentioned it seems obvious, especially as the plot next door had a lot of celery "going wild" right near where it's popped up on our plot!

Bit unexpected, hey ho!  So far we've got unexpected tomatoes in the garlic and unexpected asparagus popping up in various places!

Sarah & Adrian

[arugula]

I go with lovage too. Its a profuse spreader whether you like it or not....

Uses per Wikipedia:

"The leaves can be used in salads, or to make soup, and the roots can be eaten as a vegetable or grated for use in salads. Lovage tea can be applied to wounds as an antiseptic, or drunk to stimulate digestion. The seeds can be used as a spice, similar to fennel seeds.[4] In the UK, lovage cordial was traditionally mixed with brandy in the ratio of 2:1 as a winter drink. Lovage is second only to capers in its quercetin content.[8]

The roots, which contain a heavy, volatile oil, are used as a mild aquaretic. Lovage root contains furanocoumarins which can lead to photosensitivity."