Yam Daisy
Microseris procera

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Microseris procera is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Fairly moist meadows, occasionally on drier slopes.

Western N. America - Washington to California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Root - raw. A gum obtained from the juice (sap?) is chewed.

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

Gum: can be chewed as a chewing gum or can often be used as a sweetener or thickening agent in foods.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Gum: Gums have a wide range of uses, especially as stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickening agents, adhesives etc.

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The plant is very variable in the wild. See the plants native habitat for ideas on its cultivation needs.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in early spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting them out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring might be possible.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

M. laciniata. (Hook.)Schultz-Bip. Scorzonella maxima.