Perideridia gairdneri

Perideridia gairdneri

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Perideridia gairdneri in its natural habitat

Perideridia gairdneri, commonly known as Gairdner's yampah, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Apiaceae. It is native to western North America, where it is found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, open woodlands, and along stream banks.

Description

Perideridia gairdneri is characterized by its slender, erect stems that can reach heights of up to 1 meter. The leaves are pinnately compound, with narrow, linear leaflets. The plant produces small, white flowers arranged in umbels, typical of the Apiaceae family.

The root system of Perideridia gairdneri consists of a cluster of edible tubers, which have historically been an important food source for indigenous peoples of North America.

Habitat and Distribution

Close-up of Perideridia gairdneri flowers

Perideridia gairdneri is found across a wide range of elevations, from lowland valleys to mountainous regions. It thrives in well-drained soils and is often found in areas that receive full sun to partial shade.

The species is distributed from British Columbia in Canada, south through the western United States, including states such as Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, and Montana.

Uses

The tubers of Perideridia gairdneri are edible and were traditionally harvested by Native American tribes. They can be eaten raw or cooked and are known for their nutty flavor. The plant is sometimes referred to as "wild carrot" due to the similarity of its tubers to those of cultivated carrots.

Conservation

While Perideridia gairdneri is not currently listed as a threatened species, its habitat is subject to pressures from agricultural development, urbanization, and invasive species. Conservation efforts focus on preserving natural habitats and promoting sustainable harvesting practices.

Related pages

• Apiaceae
• Perennial plant
• Native American ethnobotany