Spignel (Meum athamanticum), packet of 30 seeds

Family: Carrot (Apiaceae)

Hardy to Zones 6 to 9.

Herbaceous perennial native to England.  Archaic herb that knowingly accompanied the Pilgrims to the New World. That is, the Pilgrims carried the seeds, knowing that the plant would be useful (it wasn’t one of those stowaway herbs that made it to the new world in ship ballast.)  Also more on the knowingly part–it is possible that the herb itself knew, in some way, that it was being carried, so this knowingness could have conceivably been a part of the Pilgrim’s and the Herb’s reality perception.  But back to Spignel.  The entire plant is coumarin-scented, and the roots are edible and sweet, like parsnips.  Traditional medicinal uses (TWM): leaf and root of this carminative herb were used in the treatment of stomach complaints, upper respiratory catarrh, urinary infection and menstrual woes.  Culpeper mentioned that the dried, ground roots could be mixed with honey to make a “licking medicine.” That is, a medicine one ingests by licking it, not a medicine to improve one’s ability to lick.  Although as they say practice makes perfect.  Plant prefers full sun and moist, fertile soil.  Sow in early spring. Space 1 foot apart.

30 seeds/pkt, Open Pollinated, Untreated, NO GMO’s