Science & Nature • Herbs

Lovage

Lovage is a perennial herb, scientifically named *Levisticum officinale*, in the carrot family Apiaceae.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Lovage is a perennial herb, scientifically named *Levisticum officinale*, in the carrot family Apiaceae. It is the only species in the genus *Levisticum* and is grown for its celery-like leaves, stems, roots, and seeds used in cooking and traditional herbal preparations. The plant is sometimes called "false celery" because of its flavour and appearance.

Description

Lovage is a tall, vigorous herb with dark green, celery-like leaves and hollow stems. It can produce large yellow flower heads in summer and is often grown in herb gardens.

Uses

The plant is used as a flavouring herb in soups, stews, salads, teas, meats, and breads. Different sources note that the roots, stems, leaves, seeds, and flowers can all be eaten or used as flavouring.

Classification and taxonomy

Lovage belongs to the Apiaceae, the carrot family, and is classified as *Levisticum officinale*. It is the only accepted species in the genus *Levisticum*.

Cultivation and distribution

Sources describe lovage as native to parts of Southwest Asia and the eastern Mediterranean, and it is now grown in temperate gardens in Europe, North America, and other regions. Lovage is grown by Canadian gardeners and is included in Canadian horticulture resources as a hardy culinary herb.

Key facts

Lovage is a hardy herbaceous perennial with a strong celery-like flavour.
It is the sole species in the genus *Levisticum*.
The plant is cultivated for its leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and sometimes flowers.
It produces tall flower stalks with yellow umbrella-shaped flower clusters.
Lovage has a long history of culinary and traditional medicinal use.

🍁

Canadian context

Lovage is grown by Canadian gardeners and is included in Canadian horticulture resources as a hardy culinary herb.

Frequently asked questions

What is lovage?

Lovage is a perennial herb in the carrot family, grown for its celery-like flavour and edible leaves, stems, roots, and seeds.

What is the scientific name of lovage?

The scientific name is *Levisticum officinale*.

What does lovage taste like?

Lovage is described as tasting like celery, but stronger, sweeter, and sometimes slightly anise-like.

Which parts of lovage are edible?

Leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and flowers are all described as edible or usable in cooking.

Is lovage the same as celery?

No. Lovage is a different plant, though it is closely related to celery and is often compared to it because of its flavour.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lovage
Supports: Scientific name, genus, family, and native range information.
North Carolina State Extension — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/levisticum-officinale/
Supports: Edible parts, plant type, and native range description.
Royal Horticultural Society — https://www.rhs.org.uk/herbs/lovage/grow-your-own
Supports: Growth habit, flavour, and note that *Levisticum officinale* is the only type available.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/lovage
Supports: Perennial herb classification, uses, flavour, and sole-member genus status.
University of Maryland Extension — https://extension.umd.edu/resource/lovage
Supports: Plant description, edible parts, flavour, cultivation notes.
University of Illinois Extension — https://www.illinois.edu/herbs/lovage
Supports: Plant size, flavour, edible parts, and culinary uses.