About
Conopodium majus, commonly known as pignut, thrives in wooded areas, hedgerows, and grasslands. This plant features finely cut, carrot-like leaves that present a mid-green color at the base. During the spring and summer months, it produces clusters of small white flowers arranged in umbels, with stems typically growing to under 30 cm tall. The round, small tuber of this species serves as a food source for both badgers and human foragers.
About the genus
Conopodium is a genus comprising small, perennial herbs. The leaves are compound, and the smooth, arching stems can reach heights of up to 1 meter, bearing clusters of small white flowers. The tubers resemble chestnuts and are edible, commonly referred to as pignuts.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Prefers dryish conditions, well-drained and slightly acidic soils. Found naturally in open grassland and woods
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free