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Yampa

Perideridia gairdneri
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Perideridia gairdneri (Yampa) — botanical photograph
Pl. 2B92 — Perideridia gairdneri
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I

Overview

Yampa (Perideridia gairdneri) is a perennial herb native to the western United States and Canada, including regions such as Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. This plant thrives in various habitats, from dry to moist conditions, and can tolerate light sandy, medium, or clay soils with a pH between 6 and 7.5. Yampa is known for its edible and ornamental qualities; its distinctive leaves and roots are often harvested for culinary use as a condiment. Yampa grows up to 1.2 meters tall in full sun to partial shade and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. It has fine green foliage and produces white flowers, making it an attractive addition to gardens where space is available. This plant can be propagated through root division and is hardy in temperate regions. While Yampa is primarily used as a condiment, caution should be exercised when handling any wild plants, especially for consumption, due to potential allergens or other sensitivities.

Quick answers

What is Yampa?

Yampa (Perideridia gairdneri) is a perennial herb native to the western United States and Canada, including regions such as Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Yampa thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to dry conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. It is a perennial that grows up to 1.2 meters tall and can be propagated through root division. The plant is hardy in temperate regions and is native to Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and parts of Wyoming. For best results, maintain soil pH between 6 and 7.5. Harvest leaves and roots for edible use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.2 m tall
Soil pH
6–7.5
For first-time growers

How to grow Yampa for the first time

8steps

Start with Yampa by ensuring you have the right conditions and care, making it a manageable project for beginners.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A small shovel or trowel, seeds or young plants, a watering can.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure the pH is between 6 and 7.5.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in the ground after danger of frost has passed, or start young plants indoors a few weeks before planting outside.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun to partial shade. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, especially in dry or wet conditions. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead leaves and stems to maintain plant health and appearance.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough sunlight.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

13 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across0 continents· 13 native
Broader regions
native:Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Perideridia gairdneri (Yampa) — botanical photograph
Yampa (Perideridia gairdneri)
XI

Explore further

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About this entry

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