Pestle parsnip, Cow parsley, Smyrnium
Lomatium nudicaule

Family: Apiaceae

What it is like

A herb that keeps growing from year to year from a stout tap-root. It grows 20-60 cm tall. The leaves are compound with several narrowly sword shaped leaflets.

Where it is found

It is a cool temperate plant. It grows on dry open slopes. It suits hardiness zone 5.

Countries/locations it is found in

Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The young leaves are boiled in soup like celery. They are also eaten as a vegetable. The roots can be cooked and eaten. The leaves can be frozen, canned or dried for future use. The young green fruit are used for tea and for flavouring soup.

Edible parts

Leaves, root, stem, fruit - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Barestem desert-parsley

Synonyms

Lomatium leiocarpum; Peucedanum nudicaulis;