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Common Name: Umbrella Plant

General Information

Darmera peltata is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.20 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

South-western N. America - California to Oregon.

Habitat

By the banks of mountain streams below 1800 metres[]. By or in cold mountain streams[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.20 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in sun or shade[] in a wet soil or shallow water[].
Although quite cold-hardy when dormant, the young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[].
There is at least one named form. 'Nana' is a dwarf form, growing only 30cm tall and so is more suited for the small garden[]. It also makes a good ground cover[].
The plant comes into flower before the leaves appear[]. Individual leaves are up to 30cm across[].

Edible Uses

Leafstalk - peeled and eaten raw, cooked like asparagus or added to soups and stews[, , , , ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Can be grown as a ground cover plant in a sunny position[]. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way[].
Useful as a soil stabilizer for marshy land or muddy banks[, ].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow as soon as it is ripe or in early spring in a cold frame[]. Keep the soil very moist. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring[]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.