Conopodium majus

RHS Plant Profile
pignut

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pignut RHS
pignut RHS

Other common names

earth nut, earth chestnut, cneuen y ddaear

Synonyms

Conopodium denudatum

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial
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The pignut is found in woods, hedges and grasslands, and has ferny, carrot-like, mid-green basal foliage, and in spring and summer carries delicate, white, umbel flowers on stems reaching less than 30cm in height. The small round tuber is a food for badger and human foragers alike

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid

Position

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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Conopodium are a genus of small, perennial herbs. Leaves are divided and the curved stem is smooth, growing up to 1m in height and producing small white flowers. The tubers, similar to a chestnut, are edible and commonly known as pignuts.
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Prefers dryish conditions, well-drained and slightly acidic soils. Found naturally in open grassland and woods

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free