Panamint princesplume
Stanleya elata
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Stanleya elata is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) 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 and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 1.5
Where it is found
Desert washes and slopes, especially in seleniferous soils, 1300 - 2200 metres in California.
South-western N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Seed - cooked. It is used as a piñole. Young leaves and stems - cooked. A rather bitter flavour, they are washed with cold and boiling water several times before being eaten in order to reduce this bitterness. This treatment will also remove many of the vitamins and minerals.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a perfectly drained soil in full sun. Plants resent root disturbance and so should be put out into their permanent positions whilst small.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Germination should take place within 3 weeks. Pot up into individual pots as soon as the plants are big enough to handle in order to preserve the root system. Plant out in summer. Division in spring?
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist