Family: Apiaceae
Author: (L.) Moench
Bibliography: Methodus: 82 (1794)
Year: 1794
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Peucedanum
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Europe to C. Siberia
Description
Hogfennel, scientifically known as Peucedanum palustre, is an intriguing plant species belonging to the Apiaceae family. This robust perennial herb is native to a vast swath of the Northern Hemisphere, stretching from Europe all the way to Central Siberia, thriving in marshy meadows and damp grasslands where it attracts a myriad of wildlife.
The plant was initially described in 1794, a testament to its long-standing recognition in the botanical community. The species name, given by the pioneering botanist Moench, reflects centuries of botanical knowledge and research. Hogfennel is well-adapted to its wet, marshy habitats, exhibiting traits that allow it to flourish in environments where other species might struggle.
In appearance, Hogfennel boasts an impressive stature with hollow stems that can reach considerable heights, lending an imposing presence to the landscapes it inhabits. The plant’s leaves are finely divided, creating a delicate, feathery look that contrasts brilliantly with its sturdy stems. During the blooming season, Hogfennel produces clusters of small, yellowish flowers arranged in umbrella-like umbels, a characteristic feature of many Apiaceae members. These blooms not only add a touch of color to wetlands but also play a vital role in the ecosystem by providing a nectar source for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Beyond its ecological importance, Peucedanum palustre has been a subject of interest for its traditional uses in herbal medicine. Historically, parts of the plant were utilized for their purported medicinal properties, believed to aid in treating a range of ailments. However, contemporary use is limited and largely overshadowed by modern pharmacology.
Conservation of Hogfennel is essential given its specific habitat requirements and the increasing threats to wetland areas. Wetlands worldwide are under pressure from drainage, land conversion, and climate change, all of which could impact the delicate balance necessary for species like Peucedanum palustre to thrive.
In summary, Hogfennel or Peucedanum palustre is not just a plant of botanical interest but also a crucial component of wetland ecosystems across Europe and Central Siberia. Its historical and ecological roles underscore the importance of preserving natural habitats to ensure that such unique species continue to flourish.
Common Names
En: Hogfennel, Milk parsley, Marsh Hog’s Fennel, Marsh Parsley, Marsh Smallage, Milk-parsley, Sow Fennel
Da: Kær-svovlrod
Nl: Melkeppe
Fi: Luhtasuoputki
Fr: Peucédan des marais, Persil des marais
De: Sumpf-Haarstrang, Sumpfhaarstrang, Oelsenich, Sumpf Haarstrang
It: Imperatoria delle paludi
Se: Jeaggeboska, Jierta
No: Finsk ingefer, Vassmerke
Nb: Melkerot
Nn: Mjølkerot
Sv: Kärrsilja, Luhtasuoputki, Mossrot
Synonyms
- Athamanta flexuosa (Juss. ex DC.)
- Thyselium palustre ((L.) Raf.)
- Cnidium palustre (Rchb.)
- Peucedanum palustre var. angustifolia ((Rchb.) Rouy & E.G.Camus)
- Athamanta pisana (Savi)
- Selinum intermedium (Besser)
- Thysselinum crouanorum (Boreau)
- Peucedanum crouanorum (Boreau ex Nyman)
- Thysselinum angustifolium (Rchb.)
- Sium virens (Steud.)
- Selinum cantabrigense (Fisch. ex DC.)
- Selinum sublactescens (Gilib.)
- Peucedanum idanense (Gand.)
- Selinum schiwerekii (Besser)
- Thysselinum plinii (Spreng.)
- Peucedanum schiwerekii (Eichw.)
- Thysselinum palustre ((L.) Hoffm.)
- Peucedanum palustre var. slinifolium (Brenner)
- Selinum tysselinum (Crantz)
- Callisace schiefereckii (Hoffm.)
- Thysselinum sylvestre (Hoffm.)
- Thysselinum schiwerekii (Besser)
- Thysselinum palustre var. sylvestre (Klett & Richt.)
- Selinum plinii ((Spreng.) Paxton)
- Thysselinum palustre var. macropterum (Rupr.)
- Calestania palustris ((L.) Koso-Pol.)
- Peucedanum sylvestre ((L.) DC.)
- Peucedanum palustre var. filifolium (Brenner)
- Oreoselis pisana ((Savi) Raf.)
Distribution
- Altay (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Norway (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 26, 2020 by Jaak Pärtel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 18, 2020 by Daniel Grixti-Cheng (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 9, 2020 by lam ed (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 9, 2022 by Lars Wingqvist (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken May 16, 2010 by EOL − Michael Wunderli (cc-by)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:846318-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Peucedanum palustre (L.) Moench)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3034225)