Here is a native plant Perideridea gairdneri Gardners Yampah in the Apiaceae that produces tuberous roots in abundance. This has been a traditional, staple food for Native American groups. The Blackfeet, Paiute and Cheyanne and more. The potato like roots can be eaten roasted or boiled. I tried some last fall by cleaning and roasting and they were very good. Was served at our farm christmas party with some skepticism. http://flic.kr/p/dc6BNN/ Am going to try again with a spicy coating. We'll call them Indian Beer Nuts. Just for fun here is a selection of bulbs we have dug this week: Triteleia laxa http://flic.kr/p/dc6BxY/ Brodiaea coronaria http://flic.kr/p/dc6ERu/ In the seeded trays these species formed their bulbs at the surface. Others species like Dichelostemma below grew to bottom before forming bulb. Nice correlation with niche. Lilium pardalinum ssp vollmeri http://flic.kr/p/dc6CyJ/ Two year bulbs from a direct seeding in field that did not show till this spring Lilium pardalinum grown in tray, first season with benefit of warm/cold stratification. Note inset of bulbs http://flic.kr/p/dc6Cvz/ Another L pardalinum collection in same field seedbed did not show the same strong development. This must be an expression of the subspecies. Fritillaria affinis http://flic.kr/p/dc6Cvz/ Fritillaria pudica http://flic.kr/p/dc6DpW/ Erythronium oreganum http://flic.kr/p/dc6DaH/ note roots halfway up bulb. Lower, clean part must be new growth Dichelostemma multiflorum http://flic.kr/p/dc6DrP/ Dichelostemma congestum http://flic.kr/p/dc6DrP/ Dichelostemma congestum showing bulbils http://flic.kr/p/dc6EkS/ Camassia leichtleinii ssp suksdorfii http://flic.kr/p/dc6EAf/ A single 4 year bulb among 2 year olds Allium accuminatum http://flic.kr/p/dc6EED/ Rich Haard Bellingham, Washington