Overview
Lomatium gormanii (T.J. Howell) Coult. & Rose, also known as Gorman's biscuitroot, is a perennial herb belonging to the parsley family (Apiaceae). This plant is native to California, specifically in the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada mountains.
Common Names
Gorman's biscuitroot is also known as Gorman's lomatium and Tehama biscuitroot. It may also be colloquially referred to as simply "biscuitroot."
Appearance
Gorman's biscuitroot typically stands 10-30 centimeters tall and has a leafy stem with compound leaves. Its flowers are typically yellow, occurring in dense umbels. The plant has a thick taproot that can grow to be more than a meter long.
Uses
Historically, Indigenous people in California have used Lomatium gormanii as a source of food and for medicinal purposes. The plant's root was dried and ground into flour, which was then used to make bread and porridge. It was also used to treat a variety of ailments such as colds, coughs, and stomach aches.
Currently, there is limited scientific research on the potential medicinal uses of Gorman's biscuitroot. However, its root has a high concentration of coumarins, a class of compounds that have anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties. Some research suggests that coumarins may have potential therapeutic applications, although further investigation is needed.
Light Requirements
Lomatium gormanii thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires approximately six hours of sun exposure daily to grow healthily. However, it cannot tolerate a lot of shade, which leads to a reduction in growth rate, lower vigor, and smaller leaves.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-draining soils with good fertility. The soil should be loamy and slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. In soils that are too acidic, the plant may exhibit stunted growth rates, lower yields and could be susceptible to diseases and pests.
Temperature Requirements
Lomatium gormanii is native to dry areas, and it requires moderate temperatures to thrive. The plant prefers a temperature range of 15 to 25°C for growth and development. Temperatures that are too high could lead to dry soils, wilting leaves, and death of the plant. On the other hand, low temperatures could lead to reduced plant growth, smaller leaves, and stunted development rates.
Cultivation Methods for Lomatium gormanii
Lomatium gormanii can be propagated from seeds or by transplanting mature plants. It is best grown in areas with full to partial sun exposure and well-draining soils with good organic matter content. The plant thrives in average to dry conditions and is drought-tolerant once established.
Watering Needs for Lomatium gormanii
While Lomatium gormanii is drought-tolerant, it still requires regular watering during the establishment phase. Water the plant immediately after planting, and then wait two weeks before watering again. After that, water the plant once every 2-3 weeks during the first year. Once the plant is established, it can survive extended periods of drought, but it still benefits from occasional watering during dry spells.
Fertilization for Lomatium gormanii
Lomatium gormanii is relatively low-maintenance and does not require heavy fertilization. However, the plant can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Apply fertilizer once a year, ideally in early spring before the new growth begins.
Pruning Lomatium gormanii
Lomatium gormanii generally does not require pruning, but you can remove dead or damaged stems in the fall or early spring. Additionally, pruning can help encourage bushier growth and increase the number of flowering stalks. If pruning, do so after the plant has finished flowering in late spring, but before it sets seed. Cut stems back by a third to half their length, being careful not to remove too much of the plant's foliage at once.
Propagation of Lomatium gormanii (T.J. Howell) Coult. & Rose
Lomatium gormanii, also known as Gorman's desert parsley, is a perennial plant that is native to North America. It belongs to the family Apiaceae, which includes many other edible and medicinal plants like carrots, parsley, and dill. Here are the propagation methods that can be used for Lomatium gormanii:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Lomatium gormanii. Seeds can be obtained from the plant's dry fruits, which ripen in late summer. The seeds need to be harvested before they fall off the plant to ensure successful propagation.
After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place until planting time. When planting the seeds, they should be sown in well-draining soil at a depth of ¼ inch and spaced at least 12 inches apart. The best time to plant the seeds is in the fall, so they can go through stratification during the winter months.
Germination can take up to 21 days, and the seedlings will need to be watered regularly to establish a strong root system. They can be transplanted to their permanent location in the spring of the following year when the soil is warm.
Propagation by Division
Lomatium gormanii can also be propagated by division. This method is best done in the fall when the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, the plant should be carefully dug up and the root system separated into smaller sections. Each section should have at least three growing points.
The new divisions should be replanted immediately in well-draining soil and watered well. They will require regular watering until they establish a strong root system and start showing new growth.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings can be successful for Lomatium gormanii, although it can be more challenging than the other methods. Cuttings should be taken in the spring when the plant is actively growing. The stem should be cut just below a node and planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist and the cutting protected from direct sun until it establishes new growth.
Overall, Lomatium gormanii is a hardy plant that can be propagated easily from seed or by division. Propagation by cuttings can also be done, but it requires more care and attention.
Disease and Pest Management for Lomatium gormanii
Lomatium gormanii is a herbaceous perennial plant found in many regions of the western United States. Despite its hardiness, it can still be susceptible to certain diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases of Lomatium gormanii is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is best to prune away infected leaves and stems and dispose of them properly. Additionally, making sure the plant has good air circulation and avoiding watering late in the day can help prevent powdery mildew.
Another disease that can affect Lomatium gormanii is leaf blight. This disease causes the leaves to turn yellow, brown, or black and may also cause spots or lesions. To manage leaf blight, it is important to remove and dispose of infected plant material and avoid overhead watering.
Common Pests
Aphids are a common pest that can affect Lomatium gormanii. These tiny insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing deformities and stunted growth. To manage aphids, it is best to use natural predators like ladybugs or to spray the plants with a mixture of soap and water.
Spider mites can also be a problem for Lomatium gormanii. These insects are very small and can be difficult to detect without a magnifying glass. They can cause the leaves to turn yellow and develop a stippled appearance. To manage spider mites, it is important to keep the plant well-watered and to use natural predators like predatory mites or lacewings. If the infestation is severe, it may be necessary to use a pesticide specifically designed for spider mites.
Conclusion
Disease and pest management is an important aspect of plant care for Lomatium gormanii. By being vigilant for signs of disease and infestation, taking steps to prevent these problems, and using appropriate management strategies, you can help your plants grow healthy and strong.
