| Name | Seombadi |
|---|---|
| Dystaenia takeshimana | |
| Aliases | Korean Pig Plant |
| Perennial Korean Celery | |
| Ulleung Giant Celery | |
| Wild Celery | |
| Seed Source | Experimental Farm Network |
| Packet Date | 2026-02-01 |
Variety Information
Known in Korea as seombadi, or sobadi, or dwaejipul, and also called wild celery, Ulleung Giant Celery or Korean Pig Plant, Dystaenia is an exciting perennial plant that has been traveling under the radar In this country for the past few decades but is poised to become much more popular (it has thus far spread mainly in Maine and New England through the MOFGA — Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association — community). It has a somewhat stronger flavor than celery (but not as strong as lovage), makes a great addition to soups, and stays green through even some very harsh winters. It is very nutritious and incredibly cold hardy. As one of its names implies, it has value as a forage plant for animals, but many people love it too.
The plant first came to the notice of non-Koreans after it was collected on Ulleungdo Island, off the coast of South Korea, in 1953 by the University of New Hampshire plant breeder Dr. Elwyn Meader.