Bupleurum
A genus of herbs and shrubs with simple leaves and small umbel flowers
Bupleurum is a group of about 190 species of herbs and woody shrubs in the Apiaceae family. Most species grow in the Old World Northern Hemisphere, with a few in North America and southern Africa. Their small flowers form in compound umbels, often with noticeable bracteoles, and the plants are known for their simple leaves.
- Bupleurum has about 190 species of herbs and shrubs.
- Most species are native to the Old World Northern Hemisphere.
- Their flowers grow in compound umbels with noticeable bracteoles.
- Bupleurum is unusual in its family for having simple leaves.
What does Bupleurum look like?
Bupleurum includes both annual and perennial herbs as well as woody shrubs. The size of these plants can range from just a few centimeters to as tall as 3 meters. Their flowers are small and grouped in compound umbels—a rounded or flat-topped cluster typical of the carrot family. A distinctive feature is the presence of simple leaves, which is uncommon in their family. The umbels are often accompanied by bracteoles, small leaf-like structures that may be quite large and help attract pollinators.
Where does Bupleurum come from?
The genus Bupleurum is native mainly to the Old World Northern Hemisphere, which includes Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Only one species is native to North America, and another to southern Africa. The genus belongs to the Apiaceae family, which is known for plants like carrots and parsley. Its spread across continents is limited, with most species concentrated in its original range.
When and how Bupleurum blooms
Bupleurum species grow as either annuals or perennials, depending on the species. They can be found in various habitats, from low-growing herbs to tall shrubs. Their flowers appear in compound umbels, often supported by bracteoles. The plants are usually recognized by their simple, un-divided leaves, which set them apart from many other members of their family.
How Bupleurum is used
The sources do not mention any specific uses for Bupleurum. There is no information on its role in gardens, traditional medicine, or cultural practices provided in the sources.
Kinds of Bupleurum
There are about 190 species within the Bupleurum genus. These species vary in size, form, and where they grow, from small herbs to large shrubs. While most are found in the Old World Northern Hemisphere, a few species are native to North America and southern Africa.
What Bupleurum means
The sources do not provide information on the cultural significance, symbolism, or conservation status of Bupleurum.
Questions people ask about Bupleurum
Where does Bupleurum come from?
Most Bupleurum species are native to the Old World Northern Hemisphere, with one species each in North America and southern Africa.
What does a Bupleurum plant look like?
Bupleurum plants can be small herbs or tall shrubs, from a few centimeters up to 3 meters high. They have small flowers in compound umbels and simple, un-divided leaves.
How many species are in the Bupleurum genus?
There are about 190 recognized species in the Bupleurum genus.
What is special about Bupleurum compared to other Apiaceae?
Bupleurum is unusual in the Apiaceae family for having simple leaves, while most relatives have divided or compound leaves.
Good reading and sources
- USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Bupleurum", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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