Woolly Wyethia (Wyethia mollis)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Wyethia mollis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet and agreeable flavour. — A sweet and agreeable flavour.; American Indians dug pits in the ground which they lined with large stones.; They then burnt a fire on top of the stones until the stones were hot.; The roots were placed on these hot stones, sealed in with fern leaves and earth and then fermented for one or two days.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry wooded slopes and rocky openings, 1500 - 3000 metres in California. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)