Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica)

Family: Saururaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Anemopsis californica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

aromatic flavour. — Root - raw or cooked.; An aromatic flavour.; The pulverized seeds are made into bread or cooked as a mush.; The peppery aromatic root is astringent and is chewed raw for medicinal purposes.

Habitat & North American Range

Wet, especially somewhat alkaline or saline marshy places, below 2000 metres. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)