Opopanax chironius
Opopanax chironius
Opopanax
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Description
Opopanax chironius is a bold Mediterranean umbellifer with a coarse, architectural look and sunny yellow flower umbels. Tough and drought-tolerant once established, it thrives in full sun and very well-drained, lean soils, rewarding gardeners with aromatic foliage and pollinator activity.
Common Names
OpopanaxCommon opopanaxHercules-all-healRough parsleySweet myrrh (traditional)
Context
nativeRegion
Mediterranean Basin (southern Europe to western Asia).
usdaZones
7-10
companionPlants
Lavandula (lavender), Salvia rosmarinus (rosemary), Thymus (thyme), Santolina, Eryngium, Salvia yangii (Russian sage), Achillea, Cistus
culturalUses
Source of the historic gum-resin “opopanax,” used in traditional medicine and incense; attractive to pollinators. Note: modern perfumery “opoponax” is typically from Commiphora.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun; 6–8+ hours daily. Tolerates light afternoon shade in very hot climates.
WateringLow. Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings. Avoid winter wet.
SoilVery well-drained, gritty or sandy loam; neutral to alkaline (pH ~6.5–8). Avoid heavy clays; add gravel for drainage.
FertilizerLight feeder. Mix in compost at planting; optional light, balanced, low-nitrogen feed once in spring. Do not overfertilize.
HumidityLow to average; prefers dry air and good airflow.
TemperatureBest at 60–85°F (15–29°C). Hardy roughly USDA 7–10; protect from hard freezes and winter wet.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitBiennial to short-lived perennial umbellifer with a basal rosette and tall, branching flowering stems.
Mature Size3–6 ft tall x 2–3 ft wide (0.9–1.8 m x 0.6–0.9 m).
Growth RateModerate; fast in warm, dry conditions once established.
BloomingYellow umbels in late spring to summer, typically in the second year.
DormancyWinter dormant; often monocarpic (dies after setting seed).
Propagation
MethodsSeed (fresh, fall-sown or after cold stratification), Root cuttings (advanced, during winter dormancy)
DifficultyModerate
Best SeasonAutumn for direct sowing; late winter to early spring after 4–8 weeks cold stratification.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningCut back spent flower stems after bloom; deadhead to limit self-seeding; stake in windy sites; remove dead foliage in winter.
RepottingSeldom grown in containers. Deep taproot dislikes disturbance; if potted, use a deep container and repot only when very young.
Pests & DiseasesGenerally trouble-free in dry, well-drained sites. Risk of root/crown rot in wet soils; occasional aphids on umbels; possible leaf spots or mildew in humid weather.
ToxicitySap may cause skin irritation/photosensitivity; wear gloves. Not known as highly toxic but not recommended for ingestion by people or pets.
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