Perideridia gairdneri

Perideridia gairdneri, also known as Gairdner's yampah, is a species of plant in the Apiaceae family. It is native to western North America, from British Columbia to California and east to the Rocky Mountains.

Description

Perideridia gairdneri is a perennial herb that grows up to 1.2 meters tall. The leaves are mostly basal, up to 30 centimeters long, and divided into many small, narrow segments. The inflorescence is a compound umbel of many small white flowers. The fruit is a small, oblong, ribbed body less than a centimeter long.

Habitat and distribution

Perideridia gairdneri is found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and forests. It is most common in moist areas, such as along streams and in wet meadows. The species is distributed throughout western North America, from British Columbia in the north to California in the south, and east to the Rocky Mountains.

Uses

The roots of Perideridia gairdneri were traditionally used by many Native American tribes as a food source. The roots are rich in carbohydrates and can be eaten raw or cooked. They were often harvested in large quantities and stored for winter use.

Conservation status

Perideridia gairdneri is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like many wild plant species, it may be threatened by habitat loss due to human activities such as development and agriculture.

See also

• Apiaceae
• Flora of North America