Apiaceae: Perideridia gairdneri
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Family Name
Apiaceae
Common Name
Yampah
Description
Perideridia gairdneri is a slender, erect perennial herb with tuberous roots, the solitary stem growing from 30-80 cm tall. The alternate cauline leaves are petiolate. The blades are compound pinnate or bipinnate, with the ultimate leaflets linear to filiform, 4–12 cm long and often withered at the time of flowering. The inflorescence consists of 1-several compound umbels, the peduncle 3–10 cm long, rays 1–5 cm long; and with involucral linear bracts 1–4 mm long or absent. The flowers are white with conspicuous sepals. The fruit are nearly round schizocarps, 2-3 mm in diameter. Yampah blooms from July through August in moist meadows and woodlands in western South Dakota.
Horticulture Notes
Seed Collection: Collect in late August when seeds turn dark brown and are easily removed.
Germination: Seeds need a 60-90 day cold treatment, but can be planted out in the fall for spring germination.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil : Sandy, loamy or clay soils.
Water: moist or dry
Additional Notes
Yampah is a lovely addition to a native garden. The plants have an appearance similar to Queen Anne's Lace, but without the lacy leaves. The beautiful, modest white blossoms sit atop a tall stalk. They attract pollinators such as butterflies, adding to their beauty and appeal. The roots can be eaten like potatoes, roasted, steamed, eaten fresh or dried. Meriwether Lewis first collected Yampah in 1805 and 1806, referring to it as a species of fennel.