Also known as Arnut · Earthnut · Hawknut
Pignut (Conopodium majus) is a wild herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe, known for its edible tubers and delicate white flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers dappled shade or partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid direct, intense sunlight, which can scorch the foliage.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth, but allow slight drying between waterings. Reduce significantly during dormancy.
Loam
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures during its active growth phase. Can withstand light frost. Needs a cool period for tuber development.
Low
25% intensity
Requires minimal feeding. A light application of balanced liquid fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient. Over-fertilizing can be detrimental.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering significantly during its dormant period in summer to prevent root rot.
Pruning is generally not required for Pignut. The plant naturally dies back to the ground after flowering and setting seed.
Any dead or yellowing foliage can be tidied up in late autumn or early winter after the leaves have naturally withered.
Pignut can be propagated by division of its tubers in early spring before new growth emerges. Sow fresh seeds in autumn in a cold frame, as they require a period of cold stratification to germinate effectively.
Tubers can also be carefully divided.
Repotting is typically only necessary if plants are grown in containers and have become root-bound. This is best done in early spring before the start of active growth.
Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the new container offers adequate space for root expansion.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Pignut (Conopodium majus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Conopodium |
| Species | Conopodium majus |
Similar in genus Conopodium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
