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Common Name: Squaw Potato

General Information

Perideridia oregana is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.60 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Western N. America - Washington to California.

Habitat

Moist or dry meadows and on open slopes to quite high elevations[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on the cultivation needs of this plant and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. Judging by its native range it is likely to succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. From its native habitat it is assumed that the plant is fairly tolerant of soil conditions, probably preferring sunny conditions.

Edible Uses

Root - raw or cooked[, , ]. A pleasant nutty taste[]. The root can also be dried and stored for later use[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Alternatively, sow it in early spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting out in late spring of the following year.
Division may be possible in spring or autumn.