American Pipeweed, Desert trumpet

Eriogonum inflatum

Physical Characteristics

Eriogonum inflatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Southwestern N. America - Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, N.Mexico, Utah and Mexico.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Stem Edible Uses: Young leaves and stems - raw or cooked[46, 61, 177, 257]. Tender[161]. Eaten before flowering[207]. Most commonly harvested just after emerging through the ground in spring[270]. Seed - pounded into a powder and eaten dry or mixed with water[257].

Medicinal Uses

The plant is used as a lotion for bear and dog bites[257].

Known Hazards

None known