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Summary
Physical Characteristics

Ferula narthex is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
F. jaeschkeana. Vatke.
Habitats
Cultivated Beds; East Wall. By. South Wall. By.
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots
Edible Uses: Condiment Gum
Leaves and young shoots[105, 177]. Used as a pot-herb[2]. The gum obtained from the roots is used as a condiment[2, 46].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
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Anthelmintic Antispasmodic Carminative Contraceptive Diaphoretic Expectorant Nervine
The gum resin obtained from the root is anthelmintic, antispasmodic, expectorant and nervine[240]. It is used in the treatment of asthma, whooping cough, flatulent colic, and in pneumonia and bronchitis in children[240]. The leaves are carminative and diaphoretic[240]. The plant has recently been investigated as a potential contraceptive[254].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Gum
The root is a source of the gum 'asafoetida'[1, 2, 61], it is used as a condiment and as a medicine. It is obtained by incision of the roots[114].
Special Uses
Scented Plants
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Succeeds in most soils[1]. Requires a deep fertile soil in a sunny position[200]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. The whole plant is very strong-smelling[200]. Plants have a long taproot and are intolerant of root disturbance[200]. They should be planted into their final positions as soon as possible.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
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Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as the seed is ripe in a greenhouse in autumn[1]. Otherwise sow in April in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Plant them out into their permanent positions whilst still small because the plants dislike root disturbance[1]. Give the plants a protective mulch for at least their first winter outdoors. Division in autumn. This may be inadvisable due to the plants dislike of root disturbance.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Plant Search
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Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Boiss.
Botanical References
200266
Links / References
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Readers comment
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