Perideridia gairdneri - Yampa

Family:	Umbelliferae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.2
Synonyms:	Carum gairdneri
Range:	Western N. America - Saskatchewan to California.

Perideridia gairdneri (Yampa) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.2m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
Yampa will flower in October to November. the seeds ripen from November to January
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Yampa 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
Yampa prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Yampa can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Woodland, dry and wet meadows and mountains[60].

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
• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on the cultivation needs of this plant and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. Judging by its native range it is likely to succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. From its native habitat it is assumed that the plant is fairly tolerant of soil conditions and of sun or shade. Yampa is a marvellous food plant that has been widely used as a staple wild food by native N. American Indians. It is just asking for cultivation in order to improve the root size[85].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 5/5
Root - raw or cooked[60, 61]. A pleasant sweet and nutty taste[2, 46, 95, 161], it can be eaten in quantity as a staple food[183]. It is best used when the plant is dormant[85]. The root can also be dried for later use or ground into a powder and used with cereals when making porridges, cakes etc[183]. The seed is used as a caraway-like seasoning, or can be parched and eaten in porridge or used as piñole[85, 177, 183, 257]. Young leaves - raw or cooked[257].

• Condiment - the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
• Leaves -
• Root - includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
The root is carminative, diuretic, mildly laxative and ophthalmic[94, 257]. An infusion of the roots has been taken to counter the cathartic and emetic effects of another infusion[257]. An infusion of the roots has been applied as a wash to sores and wounds and also used as a nasal wash to get rid of catarrh[257]. A poultice of the roots has been used to draw inflammation from swellings[257]. The juice of the slowly chewed root is said to be beneficial in the treatment of sore throats and coughs[213, 257].

• Carminative - Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Laxative - Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
• Ophthalmic - Treats eye complaints.
• Pectoral - Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
• Salve - Soothes and heals damaged skin.

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Alternatively, sow it in early spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting out in late spring of the following year. Division may be possible in spring or autumn.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest.
Hitchcock. C. L.
Author: Hitchcock. C. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A standard flora for Western N. America with lots of information on habitat etc. Five large volumes, it is not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1955

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