Herb: Pacific Hemlock-Parsley


Latin name: Conioselinum pacificum


Synonyms: Conioselinum gmelinii


Family: Umbelliferae



Medicinal use of Pacific Hemlock-Parsley:

The leaves have been used to make a soothing tonic drink in the treatment of colds and sore throats. They have also been used in steam baths to treat rheumatism and general weakness.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial

Habitat of the herb:

Common on sandy or gravelly beaches, grassy bluffs and headlands, and tidal marshes, mostly along or near the coastline.

Edible parts of Pacific Hemlock-Parsley:

Root - cooked. Native North American Indians would mark plants in the summer and then harvest them in the spring before the new shoots emerged. The plant produces a root cluster, only the larger roots were removed, the smaller ones being left in the ground to continue growing. The roots were steamed for some hours before being eaten. Some reports say that the roots are sweet and tasty, though others say that they have a strong flavour and can cause diarrhoea. If trying out this plant as a food then caution is advised.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe if possible. Sow stored seed in early spring. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick out the young seedlings into individual pots and plant them out once they are 20cm or more tall. Division of the rootstock in the spring. Divisions can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.

Cultivation of Pacific Hemlock-Parsley:

Common on sandy or gravelly beaches, grassy bluffs and headlands, and tidal marshes, mostly along or near the coastline.

Known hazards of Conioselinum pacificum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.