Asafoetida

Description

Glabrous perennial reaching 2 m in height; stem stout, 5-7.5 cm in diameter at the base. Lower leaves 30-35 cm long, 15-25 cm wide, 2-4-ternate to pinnatisect, decurrent, to 2.5 cm long, pubescent; upper sheaths to 9 cm long, 4 cm wide, slightly pubescent. Umbels in a compact panicle; rays 10-50, to 5 cmlong; flowers yellow. Listed as zone 8 although it has overwintered for 3 years in the Herb Garden (1992-1995).