Plains Springparsley, Fendler's springparsley, Greeley springparsley, Higgins' springparsley

Cymopterus acaulis

Physical Characteristics

Cymopterus acaulis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - north to Alberta.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[46, 61]. A pleasant taste[161]. The young roots in spring are the best, but roots can also be eaten at other times of the year[85]. Only the young roots should be used[94]. (Does this mean that the older roots can be harmful? See the notes above on toxicity) Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked[46, 61, 85, 94, 161].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen, we have some reservations on this root, particularly as it gets old, because of its recorded use as an insecticide.