Osmorhiza obtusa - (Coult.&Rose.)Fernald.

(Coult.&Rose.)Fernald.

Apiaceae Edible: Root, Seed

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Appalachian State University, I. W. Carpenter, Jr. Herbarium (BOON)

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University of New Mexico Herbarium (UNM-Vascular Plants)

Description

Osmorhiza obtusa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

Condiment. Root - raw or cooked. At its mildest early in the season, it has a parsnip-like flavour. It is also used as a flavouring, imparting an anise-like flavour. Seed - raw or used as a flavouring.

Distribution

N. America - Newfoundland and Labrador to New Brunswick and Quebec, south to California and Arizona.

Where It Grows

Coming Soon

Cultivation

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 following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any deep moisture-retentive soil in sun or dappled shade. Well suited to naturalistic plantings in a woodland or wild garden. A sweetly aromatic plant.

Propagation

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, otherwise sow it in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.