Opopanax chironium

Sweet Myrrh Apiaceae

A giant Mediterranean umbellifer with a name that promises a panacea—and a history almost worthy of it. Opopanax chironium is a statuesque perennial of the Apiaceae, forming a substantial plant with large, divided foliage and tall, branching stems crowned by broad umbels of yellow flowers. In full flower it has the exuberance one expects from a large Mediterranean umbellifer, and is particularly effective in a naturalistic or dry meadow planting. 

Its native range is centred on southern Europe, extending from Spain and France through Italy, Sardinia and Sicily, the Balkans and Romania to Greece and European Turkey. It is also recorded from Bulgaria and Albania, and should be regarded as a plant of warm temperate and Mediterranean-influenced habitats. This form is originally from Vigos Gorge, Greece

The plant has a fascinating ethnobotanical history. The roots contain a milky resin known as opopanax, traditionally obtained by making incisions and allowing the exudate to dry. The resin has a long history in traditional medicine, particularly for its reputed antispasmodic properties, while Opopanax species more generally have been used medicinally and as food in parts of the Mediterranean and Middle East. 

The name itself is derived from Greek opos, meaning milky juice, and panax, meaning all-healing remedy—hence the wonderfully grandiose implication of Opopanax as an all-healing sap. 

It is worth noting that “opopanax” is also used in the perfume trade for aromatic resins from other plants, so the horticultural species should not be confused with every product sold under the name.

Grow in full sun in deep, fertile but well-drained soil. Once established it is surprisingly tolerant of dry conditions and makes an imposing architectural statement.

Height: 150–250cm
Spread: 80–120cm
Flowering: June–August
Hardiness: H5, approximately -15 to -10°C
Position: Full sun
Soil: Deep, fertile, well-drained soil
Distribution: Southern Europe, from Spain and France eastwards through Italy and the Balkans to Greece and European Turkey. This form was originally from Vigos Gorge, Greece
Uses: Traditional medicinal resin; aromatic plant; ornamental umbellifer
Special feature: Huge yellow umbels and the historic medicinal resin opopanax