Pignut (Conopodium majus) is a member of the carrot family, and are often found in woodlands, hedgerows and dry grassland areas. Pignut is a small plant that is often only around 18 inches high at its maximum height. This plant attracts a large variety of insects such as Hoverflies and Soldier beetles.
Pignut has a slim, delicate stem, with fine leaves and small clusters of white flowers which apear between April and June. The flowers are tiny and white in colour, where as the leaves are very similar to that of the Dill plant. The roots of this plant have also been used as a source of food, and has been said to have a “nutty” or Chestnut like flavour to it when roasted or boiled, but it can also be eaten raw.The root of this plant is often found several inches underground and often runs horizontalls away from the plants stem
and each root is covered in a “skin” which is removed before eating.
Height: Up to 100cm
Flowering Time: May to July
Preferred Conditions: This wild flower is usually found in damp meadows and woodland areas. This wild flower can also withstand shade very easily.
