Plains Springparsley, Fendler's springparsley, Greeley springparsley, Higgins' springparsley
Cymopterus acaulis

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Cymopterus acaulis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Dry flats and hillsides, on plains and in valleys.

Western N. America - north to Alberta.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Root - raw or cooked. A pleasant taste. The young roots in spring are the best, but roots can also be eaten at other times of the year. Only the young roots should be used. (Does this mean that the older roots can be harmful? See the notes above on toxicity) Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked.

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

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The water from boiling up old roots is used as an insecticide.

Insecticide: Kills insects.

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, though judging by its native range it should outdoors in many parts of the country. 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: 0-0

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen, we have some reservations on this root, particularly as it gets old, because of its recorded use as an insecticide.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. glomeratus. DC.