Osmorhiza obtusa -

Family:	Umbelliferae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1
Synonyms:
Range:	N. America - Newfoundland and Labrador to New Brunswick and Quebec, south to California and Arizona.

Osmorhiza obtusa () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Osmorhiza obtusa will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Osmorhiza obtusa prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Osmorhiza obtusa can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Shady or partly shady areas, often on slopes and in valleys, from Alaska to California[43, 85].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Works within dappled Shade
• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any deep moisture-retentive soil in sun or dappled shade[200]. Well suited to naturalistic plantings in a woodland or wild garden[200]. A sweetly aromatic plant[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 3/5
Root - raw or cooked. At its mildest early in the season, it has a parsnip-like flavour[85]. It is also used as a flavouring, imparting an anise-like flavour[85]. Seed - raw or used as a flavouring[85].

• Condiment - the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
• Root - includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
• Seed - includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise sow it in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Scented parts of the plants

Leaves : Crushed

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Gray's Manual of Botany.
Fernald. M. L.
Author: Fernald. M. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A bit dated but good and concise flora of the eastern part of N. America.
Date of Publication : 1950

An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada
Britton. N. L. Brown. A.
Author: Britton. N. L. Brown. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Reprint of a 1913 Flora, but still a very useful book.
Date of Publication : 1970

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.