Pimpinella

Plant family

Umbellifers (Apiaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Heavy (clay)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Seeding distance

30 cm

Row spacing

30 cm

Seeding depth

1 cm

Instructions

Description

The beaver nellas, pimpernels or pimpinellas belong to the family of umbelliferae (Apiaceae). There are about 150 species, of which the economically most important species is the anise. It should not be confused with the lesser meadow-head (Sanguisorba minor), which is also called beaver's-head or pimpinella, but belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). Beaverheads are usually perennial, herbaceous, fragrant plants that grow up to 1 m tall and attract insects. The double-petaled flowers are found in white, yellow or reddish. They are grown in flower and insect meadows, as a medicinal, spice, and ornamental plant.

Growing tips

Good with other umbelliferous or composite plants in the bed. Cut back before winter, but leave the withered stems as food for birds and shelter for insects. Harvest the roots beginning in September. The leaves and shoots from March.