Osmorhiza depauperata (Osmorhiza obtusa)

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Osmorhiza obtusa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

mildest early in the season, it has a parsnip-like flavour. — Root - raw or cooked.; At its mildest early in the season, it has a parsnip-like flavour.; It is also used as a flavouring, imparting an anise-like flavour.; Seed - raw or used as a flavouring.

Habitat & North American Range

Shady or partly shady areas, often on slopes and in valleys, from Alaska to California. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)