Microseris

( mye - KROH - ser - iss )

At-A-Glance Information

Microseris is a genus of plants that is native to North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Species can be annual or perennial, and are typically small with grassy foliage and tuberous root systems. They are commonly known as Yam Daisies or Silverpuffs. Flowers are yellow and bloom in spring and summer. Grow Microseris at the front of beds and borders, in containers, or as members of pollinator or edible gardens for their roots and leaves. They can be added in to drought-tolerant or rock gardens, and are also sometimes used as erosion control groundcovers.

Microseris Species and Varietals

The genus Microseris is a member of the plant family Asteraceae, and includes 22 species. The best growing zones for Microseries depends on the species cultivated; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Microseris lanceolata (Munong, Yam Daisy, Native Yam, Plains Yam-Daisy, Native Dandelion)
Native to Australia, these plants grow in fields and produce an edible tuberous root, though Microseris walteri is more widely cultivated as an edible plant. Individual plants reach up to about 20 inches tall when mature and in bloom. Leaves are lanceolate and form a basal tuft of foliage, and flowers are yellow. Best in USDA zones 5b-9a.

Microseris walteri (Yam Daisy, Murnong)
This perennial herbaceous plant produces edible tuberous roots, and is uncommonly cultivated as a crop plant. This species grows best in USDA zones 5b-9b. These plants reach up to between 2 and 12 inches tall at maturity, and produce yellow flowers followed by puffball seed heads.

Caring for Microseris

Microseris, or Yam Daisy, plants are typically grown from seed. They do best in a space that receives full sun during the day; typically, 6-8 hours is sufficient for these flowering plants. They can take some light shade, but will produce the best roots when in full sun. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 5.5 and 7.3 (acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants are considered to be drought-tolerant, but if you will be harvesting them for their edible roots, they will need consistently moist, but not soggy, soil. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. If you will be collecting seeds for propagation later on, make sure to leave some flowering heads on the plant to mature. These plants can be annuals or perennials Annual species are typically pulled up and composted at the end of the growing season and replaced in the next. Short-lived perennial species can live for between 18 months and 2 years in the garden before needing to be replaced.

Harvesting Microseris
Microseris, or Yam Daisy, plants are grown for their edible leaves and roots, which are sweet, slightly nutty, and have a flavor similar to Coconut. Cooked roots are similar in taste and texture to buttery potatoes. They are typically harvested in fall after the plants have flowered. Use a garden fork or other tool to gently lift the root system out of the ground. Side roots can also be harvested instead of the entire plant, so work your way in from the exterior and harvest as you work your way in if you'd like the main plant to continue growing and producing root offshoots. Take care to not damage the roots as you lift them out of the ground. Tap or brush off any debris and dirt from the roots, and then rinse them under cool water. Roots can be enjoyed in a number of ways, including baked, sliced and eaten raw, or added to salads. Leaves can be harvested at any time, and added to salads, soups, and stews.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Microseris, or Yam Daisy, is best propagated via seed. To propagate your Yam Daisy plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Microseris by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 1-2 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.