Common Name: Sunflower Wyethia

General Information

Wyethia helianthoides is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a relatively large taproot; the erect stems are usually around 25 - 40cm tall, occasionally reaching 80cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Western N. America - Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

Habitat

Meadows, other damp to wet sites, openings in pine forests; at elevations from 40 - 2,600 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Insects
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 many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Requires a free-draining, gritty but moisture-retentive soil in a sunny position[]. Plants are intolerant of drought[].

Edible Uses

Root - cooked[, ]. The Native North Americans dug pits in the ground which they lined with large stones. They then burnt a fire on top of the stones until the stones were hot. The roots were placed on these hot stones, sealed in with fern leaves and earth and then fermented for one or two days[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse or cold frame in early spring. Use a very freely-draining compost, prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out into their permanent positions when they are large enough.
Careful division of the crown as the plants come into growth in spring[].