Mountain Spring Parsley
Cymopterus montanus

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Cymopterus montanus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Dry soils. Dry hills and valleys at elevations of 1200 - 2100 metres.

Central N. America - South Dakota to Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado and Texas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Root - raw or cooked. The root is spindle-shaped and parsnip-like, but it is much softer, sweeter and more tender than a parsnip. It is used as a vegetable. The root has been peeled, baked then dried and ground into a powder and used as an occasional substitute for corn meal. Seed - raw or cooked.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have almost no information on the needs of this species and do not know if it is hardy in Britain. We suggest growing it in a sunny position in a well-drained light or medium soil.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible in a greenhouse. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn might be possible.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Phellopterus montanus. Nutt.