Durango Root
Datisca glomerata
Care
full sun
7–7ft tall
Roots eaten cooked; traditional Indigenous food
Central Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills from Butte County south to Kern County, below 3000 ft elevation in riparian corridors and disturbed areas.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Durango Root in full sun - this is non-negotiable for healthy growth. Space plants to allow for mature size (up to 7 feet tall), and give them room to form the medium-sized bush they naturally become. Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate to help establish roots before extreme heat or cold.
After Planting
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, then gradually reduce frequency as the plant matures and becomes more drought-tolerant. Durango Root is a perennial herb, so expect it to die back seasonally depending on Bay Area microclimates and winter temperatures. Handle with gloves when pruning or working with the plant, as all parts are toxic to humans and livestock.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Symbiotic nitrogen fixation in root nodules; critical for plant nutrition in N-poor riparian soils