The carrot family, or Apiaceae, contains about a third of the plants in your spice rack! It also holds fabulous medicinals like angelica and osha and many edible plants like carrots and celery. Unfortunately, this family also contains deadly poisons like water hemlock and poison hemlock! When identifying plants, it’s easy to tell that something is in the carrot family, but it’s difficult to discern which particular plant it is — and a mistake could have grave consequences.
This two-day class with botany nerd Gradey Proctor is designed for folks with some plant basics who want to dive deep into this tricky family. On Wednesday, we will meet in Portland to review basic botany, learn the traits for the Apiaceae and meet some of its weedy members. Then on Thursday, we’ll circle the mountain, ducking into high desert habitat, meadows, and mountain forests to meet the many different wild genera of the carrot family.
Much of our discussion will be on how to identify this family by seed! In fact, participants will gather seeds from many different species to create their own “dork box” — a tangible identification tool — to continue to explore the Apiaceae. Long discussions of lore, medicinal and food uses, and more will accompany us as we meet the plants.
Class will be held in person outdoors and indoors; vaccination and booster required. Class size is very limited.
Class cost is $225-$150, sliding scale, for both days (materials included). Registration required by August 26.