Overview
Lomatium circumdatum (S. Wats.) Coult. & Rose is a perennial plant that belongs to the carrot family Apiaceae. It is a native plant in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah, and can be found growing in a variety of habitats such as deserts, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and sagebrush steppes. The plant is commonly known as desert parsley, and its root has been used medicinally for centuries by indigenous people to treat respiratory illnesses.
Appearance
The plant grows to a height of 60 cm and has finely divided leaves that are a bluish-gray color. The stem is hairy and can have a reddish tint. The plant produces a cluster of small yellow flowers that bloom in the spring. The fruit is a dry, ribbed, oval-shaped structure that contains two seeds.
Uses
The root of Lomatium circumdatum has been used in traditional medicine by indigenous people to treat respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and tuberculosis. It has also been used as a cough suppressant and has been shown to have antiviral and antibacterial properties. In addition, the plant has been used as a food source by indigenous people, who would eat the leaves and roots when other food sources were scarce.
Today, Lomatium circumdatum is cultivated for its medicinal properties, and its root extract is used in herbal supplements and remedies. The plant is also used in ecological restoration as it can help stabilize soils and prevent erosion in disturbed habitats.
Light Requirements
Lomatium circumdatum typically grows in areas that receive full to partial sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade may result in stunted growth. In subalpine and alpine ecosystems, this plant is often found growing in open, grassy meadows where it can receive ample light.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it typically grows best in areas with cool to moderate temperatures. Lomatium circumdatum is native to high-elevation regions of the western United States where temperatures can vary greatly between day and night. In the summer, it can tolerate relatively warm temperatures as long as it receives adequate water. In the winter, it can withstand freezing temperatures and even snow cover.
Soil Requirements
Lomatium circumdatum is capable of growing in a variety of soil types, but it requires well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It tends to grow best in soils that are slightly acidic to neutral in pH. In rocky or sandy soils, this plant may not grow as large or robust as it would in richer soils. It is also tolerant of soils that are low in nutrients, but it may require supplemental fertilization in such cases.
Cultivation of Lomatium circumdatum
Lomatium circumdatum is a herbaceous perennial plant native to North America and is commonly grown as a garden plant. It prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil and a sunny location for optimal growth.
It can be propagated by either seed or division. Seeds should be sown in the fall or early spring, and division can be done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant.
Watering Needs
Lomatium circumdatum requires moderate watering. It prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season.
During the summer months, supplemental watering may be required in areas with hot and dry climates. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
It is recommended to fertilize Lomatium circumdatum during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) blend, can be applied once a month.
Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and weak stems, making it susceptible to breakage.
Pruning
Lomatium circumdatum does not require pruning, but it can benefit from deadheading. Removing spent blooms during the growing season will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
It is also recommended to cut the plant back to the ground in the fall to promote healthy growth the next growing season.
Propagation of Lomatium circumdatum
Lomatium circumdatum, also known as the great basin lomatium, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to the western United States. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through several methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used for reproducing Lomatium circumdatum. The plant produces small, oblong seeds that can be collected in the fall after the seed heads have dried. The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be sown.
When sowing Lomatium circumdatum seeds, it is important to scarify the seeds to break down the hard seed coat and allow for germination. This can be achieved by rubbing the seeds between two sheets of sandpaper or by soaking them in warm water for several hours.
The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in the fall or early spring. Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can be used to reproduce Lomatium circumdatum if seeds are not available or if a particular cultivar needs to be maintained. This method involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them.
To take a cutting, select a healthy stem that is at least 4 inches long and has several nodes. Make a clean cut with sharp shears just below a node and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in moist, well-draining soil. Cover the plant with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse and keep the soil moist until roots develop.
Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the garden. Vegetative propagation should be done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Disease Management
Lomatium circumdatum is a very resilient plant that is resistant to most common plant diseases. However, it can be susceptible to a few diseases such as:
- Septoria Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular spots with grayish centers and dark purple margins on the leaves. To manage this disease, infected plant debris should be removed, and fungicide spraying should be done as a preventive measure.
- Crown Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the plant's roots, causing them to rot and reduce the plant's vigor. To prevent this disease, ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering.
- Verticillium Wilt: This is a fungal disease that causes yellowing, wilting, and eventual death of the plant. To manage this disease, remove infected plants and avoid planting susceptible plants in the same area for at least three years.
Pest Management
Lomatium circumdatum is generally resistant to most insect pests. However, some pests that can affect it include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to curl and yellow. To manage this pest, use a strong jet of water to wash them off or use insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the plant's leaves. To manage them, handpicking, using Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), or using neem oil can be effective.
- Thrips: These are tiny, slender insects that cause silvering or stippling on the plant's leaves. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides.
