Widewing Springparsley
Cymopterus purpurescens
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Cymopterus purpurescens is a PERENNIAL. 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
Where it is found
Rocky limestone hills, 1300 - 2100 metres in California.
South-western N. America - California to Idaho, Utah and Arizona.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Root - cooked. Sweeter than a parsnip.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
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, though judging by its native range it could outdoors at least in the milder 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:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist