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Common Name: Wild Parsley

General Information

Musineon divaricatum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Western N. America - Saskatchewan to Nebraska and Alberta, south to Nevada.

Habitat

Open flats and slopes in plains, valleys and foothills, tolerating alkaline soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. It is likely to require a well-drained soil in a sunny position and succeeds in alkaline soils.

Edible Uses

Root - raw[, , , ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise in late winter. 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 might be possible.