Peucedanum officinale

RHS Plant Profile
hog's fennel

Other common names

harstrong, sulphur weed, sulphur wort, cammock

Herbaceous Perennial

An herbaceous perennial with an upright habit, reaching up to 2m. It has dark green, finely divided leaves that resemble blades of grass and umbels of greenish-yellow flowers from July to September. While the flowers are not notably fragrant, the roots emit a strong, sulphur-like scent

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming, Columnar upright
Genus
Peucedanum are predominantly herbaceous perennials, shrubs or rarely trees, with compound pinnate leaves and umbels of white, yellow or occasionally pink flowers
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in a cold frame in autumn for germination in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required; deadhead after flowering if seed is not required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free