Overview
Lomatium dasycarpum (Torr. & Gray) Coult. & Rose ssp. tomentosum (Benth.) Theobald, commonly known as woolly-fruited lomatium, is a flowering plant native to western North America.
Appearance
The woolly-fruited lomatium is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. It has fern-like leaves with narrow, linear-shaped segments. The flowers are small and yellow, arranged in umbels that can reach up to 7 inches in diameter. The fruit is a woody, oblong-shaped capsule covered in fine hairs, giving it a woolly appearance.
Habitat
Woolly-fruited lomatium is commonly found in dry, rocky areas such as desert slopes and foothills, at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 feet. It is a winter annual or short-lived perennial that grows from a taproot.
Uses
Indigenous people have traditionally used lomatium species for medicinal purposes, including treating respiratory infections and skin irritations. Today, woolly-fruited lomatium is sometimes used in herbal remedies for similar conditions. It is also a popular wildflower for xeric and low maintenance gardens, as it can tolerate hot, dry environments.
Typical Growth Conditions for Lomatium dasycarpum (Torr. & Gray) Coult. & Rose ssp. tomentosum (Benth.) Theobald
Light: Lomatium dasycarpum (Torr. & Gray) Coult. & Rose ssp. tomentosum (Benth.) Theobald, also known as woolly biscuitroot, requires full sun for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can inhibit its growth and flowering. Therefore, it is best to plant it in an area with direct exposure to sunlight.
Temperature: Woolly biscuitroot prefers temperate climates and can tolerate cold temperatures. It is native to western North America, ranging from California to British Columbia. In its natural habitat, it can survive winter temperatures below freezing and summer temperatures up to 100°F (38°C).
Soil: Lomatium dasycarpum (Torr. & Gray) Coult. & Rose ssp. tomentosum (Benth.) Theobald prefers well-draining soils that are sandy or gravelly. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loamy and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. It is also adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soils and can thrive in rocky or disturbed soils.
Cultivation
Lomatium dasycarpum (Torr. & Gray) Coult. & Rose ssp. tomentosum (Benth.) Theobald can be propagated by seeds, division, or cuttings. Planting can be done in the fall or spring. The plant thrives in a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate some shade.
Watering needs
The watering needs of Lomatium dasycarpum (Torr. & Gray) Coult. & Rose ssp. tomentosum (Benth.) Theobald depend on the climate and soil type. In general, the plant requires moderate moisture during the growing season. It is important to avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not usually necessary for Lomatium dasycarpum (Torr. & Gray) Coult. & Rose ssp. tomentosum (Benth.) Theobald, as it can grow well in nutrient-poor soils. However, a light application of organic fertilizer in the spring can promote growth and flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically necessary for Lomatium dasycarpum (Torr. & Gray) Coult. & Rose ssp. tomentosum (Benth.) Theobald. However, deadheading spent flowers can promote the growth of new blooms. It is also essential to remove any diseased, damaged, or dead foliage to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Lomatium dasycarpum ssp. tomentosum
Lomatium dasycarpum ssp. tomentosum, commonly known as woolly lomatium, is a perennial plant that is native to California. It grows best in full sun and well-draining soil. Propagation of the woolly lomatium is done mainly through seed propagation and division of the rhizomes.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation of woolly lomatium involves harvesting the ripe seeds during the fall and winter seasons. It is essential to ensure that the seeds are fully mature before harvesting. The mature seeds should be collected and cleaned by removing any plant debris or non-seed materials. The next step involves scarification, which helps to break the seed's hard protective coat and enhance germination.
After scarification, seeds can be sown directly into the field, or in pots filled with a sterile potting mix. The seeds should be covered with the potting soil and watered regularly for optimum results. Germination usually occurs within 3-6 weeks.
Division of Rhizomes
Division of rhizomes is another method of propagating woolly lomatium. It involves separating the rhizomes from the parent plant, ensuring that each division contains a portion of the root system. This method is usually done during the fall or winter when the plant is dormant.
The divided rhizomes should be planted in well-draining soil and watered regularly. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. New shoots should start emerging from the rhizomes after a few weeks of planting.
Overall, woolly lomatium propagation is relatively simple and can be achieved through seed propagation and division of the rhizomes. Whichever method chosen, it is important to ensure that the plant is grown in ideal conditions for optimum growth.
Disease Management for Lomatium dasycarpum ssp. tomentosum
There are various diseases that can affect Lomatium dasycarpum ssp. tomentosum such as bacterial blight, powdery mildew, and root rot. Prevention is the best method to manage diseases.
Practicing good plant hygiene, such as cleaning gardening tools and disinfecting pots and containers, can prevent the spread of diseases. Avoid excess watering and maintain well-drained soil to prevent root rot. If bacterial blight or powdery mildew is observed, remove the infected plants and treat the remaining ones with fungicides that contain copper.
Pest Management for Lomatium dasycarpum ssp. tomentosum
Lomatium dasycarpum ssp. tomentosum can also be affected by pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Early detection and prevention are the keys to managing pest infestations.
Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and lacewings can reduce the number of pests in the garden. Washing the plants with water can also help remove pests. For severe infestations, insecticidal soap can be used to manage aphids and spider mites, and neem oil can be used to manage whiteflies.
