Pignut is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodland, hedgerows and damp shady areas, to a mature height of up to 40cm.
Pignut is a fairly short plant with fine feathery leaves and bears clusters of white flowers arranged in umbels. Pignut takes its name from the edible tubers it produces, which are collected as a forage food. The presence of established Pignut can be an indicator of ancient woodland.
Botanic classification and naming: Pignut is a member of the Carrot (Apiaceae) family. The genus name
'Conopodium' identifies the plant as a Pignut and its species name 'majus' means 'larger-sized plant'.
Concerns: Note that unsupervised foraging may cause damage to wild plants and misidentification of forage species may be dangerous. The complete removal of a plant from the wild is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).
Benefits: Attracts hoverflies and Soldier beetles.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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