Indian Potato, Great Basin Indian potato

Orogenia linearifolia

Physical Characteristics

Orogenia linearifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - Montana to W. Colorado and west to Utah and Washington.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[212]. The raw root tastes like potatoes[212]. A pleasant crisp taste, though the outer skin has a slightly bitter taste[85]. The root is available at almost any time of the year, its only drawback is that it is a bit small and fiddly to harvest in quantity[85]. It may respond to cultivation.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known