Pacific Hemlock-Parsley

Conioselinum pacificum

Physical Characteristics

Conioselinum pacificum is a PERENNIAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - cooked[105, 177, 256]. Native North American Indians would mark plants in the summer and then harvest them in the spring before the new shoots emerged. The plant produces a root cluster, only the larger roots were removed, the smaller ones being left in the ground to continue growing. The roots were steamed for some hours before being eaten[256]. Some reports say that the roots are sweet and tasty, though others say that they have a strong flavour and can cause diarrhoea[256]. If trying out this plant as a food then caution is advised[256].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Tonic The leaves have been used to make a soothing tonic drink in the treatment of colds and sore throats[257]. They have also been used in steam baths to treat rheumatism and general weakness[257].

Known Hazards

None known