Ligusticum canbyi

J.M. Coult. & Rose

Osha

Apiaceae Edible: Leaves, Root, Shoots, Stem

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Description

Ligusticum canbyi is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

Leaves shoots and stems. A pleasant taste. The young leaves, shoots and stems can all be eaten. They have a strong celery flavour. The root is chewed rathen than eaten. Can be used as a culinary herb.

Distribution

Western North America.

Where It Grows

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada, British Columbia (south), United States, Idaho, Montana, Oregon (northeast), Washington,

Cultivation

A stout perennial herb from a thick taproot. The taproot is thick and fibrous. Prefers full shade and semi shade. Moist or wet soil. It grows in moist and wet stream banks. It grows at moderate and high elevations in Canada. Elevation (metres) 560 to 2300.