Sium suave

Summary: 
Water Parsnip, Wild Carrot
Description: 

Sium suave Walter is a semiaquatic perennial with fibrous roots originating from the lower stem nodes. This dicot perennial grows 50 to 120 cm tall with stout ribbed stems and small white flowers lustered in umbrella-like heads. Leaves are sngly compound with 7 to 13 narrow finely toothed leaflets. 

Roots may resemble small parsnips in color and shape. Sium suave roots about two years old averaged 1 cm in diameter. The epidermis puckers at rootlet nodes, giving water parsnips an almost banded appearance.

Cultural Narrative: 

Found throughout most U.S. states and Canadian provinces, these sweet, carrot or finger-like roots were dug in early spring and again in summer (Turner 2007:90-91). They could be eaten raw, steamed, or more recently are fried. The roots are described as sweet, crisp, and delicious. 

Location Description: 

Shallow and slow-moving to swampy water.

Protocol: 
Public
Community: 
General Public
Category: 
Food, Root Foods
Keywords: 
tuberous root, Apiaceae, steamed