Asafoetida

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Perennial

Native distribution

Iran

Biocultural value

Aromatic dried gum extracted from the roots imparts an intensely piquant flavor to southern Indian cuisine.

Location

Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Companion Plants

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).

USDA Hardiness Zone

8

Special characteristics

food