SafePlants

Bupleurum Species: An Overview

This page provides information on several Bupleurum species, including American Thorow Wax (Bupleurum americanum) and Thorow-wax (Bupleurum rotundifolium). These plants, belonging to the Apiaceae (Parsley) family, exhibit varied distributions and characteristics.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Mentions of Bupleurum americanum, Bupleurum rotundifolium, Bupleurum falcatum, Bupleurum subovatum, and Bupleurum triradiatum appear in the document.
• Common Names: American Thorow Wax, Thorow-wax, Hare's Ear, False Thorow-wax.
• Family: Apiaceae (Parsley Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Bupleurum triradiatum ssp. arcticum (Regel) Hultn. is listed as a synonym for Bupleurum americanum.

Distribution and Habitat

• Bupleurum americanum is native to North America and has been observed on steep, rocky slopes, such as those found on Arsenic Mt. in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
• Bupleurum rotundifolium is native to the UK and Europe.
• Several species are naturalized in the UK, Scandinavia, Canada, and the US.
• The plants can be found in lowlands and alpine regions.
• The native range of Bupleurum extends across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Tropical Asia, Australia/New Zealand, and North America.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Bupleurum americanum is described as a forb/herb, which is a non-woody plant.
• Bupleurum rotundifolium is a distinctive, architectural cornfield annual.
• Bupleurum falcatum is a perennial, growing up to 1 meter (3ft 3in) tall.
• False Thorow-wax is an annual, waxy, patch-forming herb, growing up to 30cm.
• They have small yellow flowers in umbels and yellow-green petal-like bracts.
• Some species have smooth stems.
• The plant has been observed in the lowlands as well as in the alpine regions.

Ecological Role

• Bupleurum species are sometimes introduced to regions outside their native range, including parts of North America.

Additional Information

• American Thorow Wax is a special status plant species found on BLM lands.

Considerations for Pets

• One source notes that these are "waxy" plants, which may or may not present issues for certain animals.

Considerations for Children

• One source notes that these are "waxy" plants, which may or may not present issues for certain children.

Resources and Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• Discover Life
• Dave's Garden
• ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System): Taxonomic Serial No. 29605