Oxypolis rigidior

(L.) Raf.

Stiff cowbane

ApiaceaeRootsPotential hazards — see below
Caution — Parts of this plant may be toxic or require specific preparation. Verify with multiple sources before consuming.
Oxypolis rigidior
iNaturalist · cc-by
(c) aarongunnar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by aarongunnar
Oxypolis rigidior
iNaturalist · cc-by
(c) aarongunnar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by aarongunnar
Oxypolis rigidior
iNaturalist · cc-by-sa
(c) Frank Mayfield, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

What to Eat

Edible parts: Roots

The roots are baked and eaten.

Known Hazards

Both the roots and top parts have been reported as poisonous to mammals including cattle. However, this plant is also considered edible and safe by some. Thayer states that it is "widely and erroneously reported as poisonous to livestock." He reports that the tubers are edible and says they are "fantastic in any way you'd use a potato"; he also adds that the shoots and greens are not poisonous, although he does not say they are edible as well. He calls the plant "Cherokee swamp potato" in reference to its use in Cherokee cuisine. He also warns that the plant should be gathered with “great caution” due to its resemblance to water hemlock.

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant.

North America, USA,

Countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Trinidad & Tobago, United States, St Vincent

How to Identify

A temperate herb in the carrot family (Apiaceae) native to temperate regions.

Wikipedia

Source ↗

Oxypolis rigidior, known as cowbane, common water dropwort, stiff cowbane, pig-potato, and Cherokee swamp potato, is a species of flowering plant in the carrot family native to eastern North America. It is a perennial wildflower found in wet habitats. Oxypolis rigidior has been reported as being poisonous to some mammals, but it is also considered edible and safe by some authors.

References (1)
  • Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 374

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