Pacific Hemlock-Parsley
Conioselinum pacificum

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Conioselinum pacificum is a PERENNIAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0

Where it is found

Common on sandy or gravelly beaches, grassy bluffs and headlands, and tidal marshes, mostly along or near the coastline.

Western N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Root - cooked. Native North American Indians would mark plants in the summer and then harvest them in the spring before the new shoots emerged. The plant produces a root cluster, only the larger roots were removed, the smaller ones being left in the ground to continue growing. The roots were steamed for some hours before being eaten. Some reports say that the roots are sweet and tasty, though others say that they have a strong flavour and can cause diarrhoea. If trying out this plant as a food then caution is advised.

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

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves have been used to make a soothing tonic drink in the treatment of colds and sore throats. They have also been used in steam baths to treat rheumatism and general weakness.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. However, judging by its native range it is likely to be hardy in all parts of the country and, judging by its native habitat, is likely to require a well-drained soil and a sunny position. It is also likely to be tolerant of saline soils. One report says that the correct name for this species is C. gmelinii.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe if possible. Sow stored seed in early spring. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick out the young seedlings into individual pots and plant them out once they are 20cm or more tall. Division of the rootstock in the spring. Divisions can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. gmelinii. (Cham.&Schlecht.)Steud.