Overview
Lomatium dasycarpum (Torr. & Gray) Coult. & Rose ssp. dasycarpum is a species of flowering plants belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is commonly known as woolly-fruited biscuitroot and is native to western North America.
Description
This perennial herb grows up to 1 meter tall and has a taproot system that can reach up to 4 meters deep. The leaves are basal, divided into many segments and are hairy on both sides. The flowers are arranged in umbels and are small, yellow-green in color. The small seeds are enclosed in bur-like fruits covered in fine white hairs.
Habitat
Woolly-fruited biscuitroot is found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and sagebrush scrub. It grows in areas that range from wetlands to dry rocky soil at elevations of up to 3000 meters. It is widely distributed in western North America from Alaska to California and east to the Rockies.
Traditional Uses
Indigenous people of western North America traditionally used Lomatium dasycarpum medicinally to treat coughs, colds, and tuberculosis. They also used the plant as a food source, as the cooked roots provide a starchy nourishing food. Today, people use woolly-fruited biscuitroot as an herbal remedy for various ailments, including respiratory infections, fever, and digestive issues.
Conservation
Lomatium dasycarpum is a slow-growing species that is susceptible to habitat destruction, overgrazing, and invasive plant species. The plant is also threatened by collection for medicinal purposes, and in some areas, it is endangered. As such, conservation measures are needed to protect this species and its habitat.
Light Requirements
Lomatium dasycarpum requires full sun to grow and thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but full sun is best for optimal growth and flowering. This species is commonly found in open areas such as meadows, prairies, and along roadsides.
Temperature Requirements
Lomatium dasycarpum is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures. It is commonly found in temperate regions with seasonal variations in temperature. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 100°F (38°C) while in the winter, temperatures can drop to as low as -20°F (-29°C). This plant is adapted to survive in these extreme temperature ranges.
Soil Requirements
Lomatium dasycarpum prefers well-drained soils. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. This species is commonly found in areas with dry soils, but it can also grow in areas with moist soils. The pH range for optimal growth is between 5.5 and 8.0. This plant has a deep taproot that allows it to access nutrients and water from deeper soil layers.
Cultivation methods for Lomatium dasycarpum ssp. dasycarpum
Lomatium dasycarpum ssp. dasycarpum can be propagated from seed or root division.
Seeds should be sown in fall or early spring, and germination may take up to four weeks.
The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Watering needs for Lomatium dasycarpum ssp. dasycarpum
Lomatium dasycarpum ssp. dasycarpum is drought-tolerant and does not require regular watering once established.
However, a deep watering every two to three weeks during the hottest months can help the plant thrive.
Fertilization for Lomatium dasycarpum ssp. dasycarpum
It is not necessary to fertilize Lomatium dasycarpum ssp. dasycarpum, as the plant can grow well in low-nutrient soil.
However, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can help promote growth.
Pruning for Lomatium dasycarpum ssp. dasycarpum
Lomatium dasycarpum ssp. dasycarpum does not require pruning, as it naturally grows in a compact form.
However, deadheading spent flowers can encourage additional blooming.
Trimming back foliage in late summer can also help prevent the plant from becoming too leggy or floppy.
Propagation of Lomatium dasycarpum (Torr. & Gray) Coult. & Rose ssp. dasycarpum
Lomatium dasycarpum (Torr. & Gray) Coult. & Rose ssp. dasycarpum, commonly known as woolly-fruited lomatium, is a perennial herb that is native to North America. It grows in open, rocky habitats, and produces clusters of small, white flowers that bloom in the spring.
Propagation of Lomatium dasycarpum can be achieved by two primary methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Lomatium dasycarpum is through seed propagation. The seeds of Lomatium dasycarpum are small, and may require stratification in order to break dormancy. Stratification involves exposing the seeds to cold temperatures for a period of time, generally several weeks to several months, before planting.
Once the seeds have undergone a stratification period, they can be planted in a well-draining soil mixture in individual containers or directly in the ground. Germination typically occurs within two to four weeks, and seedlings should be kept moist and in a bright, sunny location.
Vegetative Propagation
Lomatium dasycarpum can also be propagated through vegetative means, though this method may be less successful than seed propagation. Vegetative propagation involves taking cuttings or dividing the plant's root system to produce new plants.
Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer from the plant's woody stems, and should be approximately 3-5 inches in length. Cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture, and kept moist and in a bright location until they have established roots.
Dividing the plant's root system can also be used to produce new plants. This method involves digging up the plant and dividing the roots into sections, each with its own stem and leaves. These sections can then be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and should be kept moist and in a bright location until they have established roots.
Overall, both seed propagation and vegetative propagation can be utilized to propagate Lomatium dasycarpum. Seed propagation is generally more successful, but vegetative propagation can be a useful method for producing multiple new plants from established individuals.
Disease and Pest Management for Lomatium dasycarpum (Torr. & Gray) Coult. & Rose ssp. dasycarpum
Lomatium dasycarpum (Torr. & Gray) Coult. & Rose ssp. dasycarpum, commonly known as woolly-fruited lomatium or biscuitroot, is a perennial plant native to western North America. Although it is generally resistant to diseases and pests, it can still be affected by a few common issues that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that could affect L. dasycarpum and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that can affect L. dasycarpum's leaves and stem. Symptoms include white or gray powdery spots on the leaves, which can cause them to turn yellow and die. To manage this disease, you can prune the infected parts of the plant, improve air circulation by spacing out the plants, and applying a fungicide such as neem oil or sulfur-based products.
2. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that can cause the roots of L. dasycarpum to rot and decay. Symptoms include wilted leaves and stems, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. To manage this disease, you can improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering. You can also apply fungicides such as copper-based products and biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can feed on the sap of L. dasycarpum's leaves and stems. Symptoms include yellowing or curling leaves, stunted growth, and the presence of sticky honeydew on the leaves. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or apply beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings to feed on the aphids.
2. Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of certain types of moths that can feed on the roots and stems of L. dasycarpum, causing wilting, stunted growth, and death. To manage cutworms, you can apply bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or other insecticides to the soil, or use physical barriers such as collars around the base of the plant to prevent the cutworms from getting to the plant.
By keeping an eye out for these common diseases and pests, you can ensure your L. dasycarpum plants remain healthy and productive.
