Origin
Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. alpinum (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman is a plant species belonging to the Apiaceae family. This plant is native to western North America, particularly in high elevation areas from British Columbia to California.
Common Names
Some common names for Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. alpinum (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman are Alpine Desert Parsley, Wild Parsnip, Biscuitroot, and Indian Carrot.
Uses
The roots of this plant have been traditionally used as food by indigenous tribes, such as the Paiute and Shoshone, and the roots were often consumed raw or cooked in underground ovens. Today, the seeds of Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. alpinum (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman are sometimes used in modern cuisine as a spice and seasoning, or as a substitute for caraway seeds.
Furthermore, this plant has been used for various medicinal purposes, such as treating respiratory infections, coughs, and fevers. It has also been used as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent.
General Appearance
Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. alpinum (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman is a perennial herb that can reach up to 60 cm in height. The plant has an umbrella-shaped cluster of small yellow-green flowers that appear in the spring. The leaves are finely divided and fern-like, and the stems are hairy with a reddish tint. The taproots are carrot-shaped and can grow up to 60 cm long.
Overall, Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. alpinum (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman is a valuable plant in both traditional and modern use, with a unique appearance and history.
Growth Conditions for Lomatium graveolens var. alpinum
Lomatium graveolens var. alpinum, commonly known as Alpine Biscuitroot or Alpine Lomatium, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the carrot family. It is native to the western United States and prefers to grow in alpine meadows, subalpine slopes, and other open habitats with well-drained soils and exposure to sunlight.
Light Requirements
Alpine Biscuitroot requires full sun exposure to grow and develop fully. It can tolerate some shade but prefers a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Adequate sunlight ensures that the plant develops strong, sturdy stems, and deep roots.
Temperature Requirements
Alpine Biscuitroot is adapted to survive in the mountainous region of the western United States, where the temperatures can be cold and harsh. The plant is of USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. During the growing season, the plant requires temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Well-drained soils with adequate nutrition are crucial for the growth of Alpine Biscuitroot. The plant prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and have a pH range of 5.5 to 7.2. Soils that are too moist or have poor drainage can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for the plant. Alpine Biscuitroot can also tolerate a variety of soil textures, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Cultivation Methods
Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. alpinum (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman grows best in well-drained soil with good fertility and plenty of organic matter. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH. The plant can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division in the early spring or fall.
Watering Needs
Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. alpinum (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman prefers moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, or whenever the soil is dry to the touch. Be sure to avoid getting water on the foliage, which can lead to disease or rot.
Fertilization
Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. alpinum (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman benefits from yearly fertilization in the spring. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure to water the plant thoroughly after fertilization to avoid fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. alpinum (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman does not require frequent pruning, but it can be beneficial to tidy up the plant in the fall or early spring. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged branches. Shape the plant as desired, being careful not to remove more than one-third of the growth at once.
Propagation of Lomatium graveolens var. alpinum
Lomatium graveolens var. alpinum, commonly known as alpine biscuitroot, can be propagated through different methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common ways to propagate Lomatium graveolens var. alpinum is through seed propagation. The seeds can be planted directly in the ground after the last frost or started indoors and transplanted outside later on. They should be sown at a depth of around 2 cm in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination, which can take between 1 and 6 months. The best time to plant the seeds is in the fall.
Division
Another method of propagating this plant is division. This process involves separating a mature clump of the plant into smaller sections and replanting them in different locations. Division can be done in the early spring before the plant has started growing or in the fall after the growing season has ended. The sections that are dug up should have some roots attached to them and be replanted at a depth of around 5-10 cm in well-draining soil.
Cuttings
Propagation of Lomatium graveolens var. alpinum can also be done through cuttings. This method involves taking a small piece of stem from a mature plant and growing it into a new plant. The cutting should be around 8-10 cm long and taken in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be planted in sandy soil, misted regularly, and kept in a shaded area until they have rooted, which can take around 3-5 weeks.
Overall, Lomatium graveolens var. alpinum is relatively easy to propagate, and with the proper care, the new plants will grow to maturity in a few years.
Disease and Pest Management for Lomatium graveolens var. alpinum
Lomatium graveolens var. alpinum is a relatively hardy plant, but it is still susceptible to a range of pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common issues that may affect this plant and methods for managing them:
Pests
Aphids: These pests cause damage by sucking the sap from the plant, resulting in yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and distorted flowers. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with a jet of water to knock them off or by using an insecticidal soap.
Spider mites: These tiny mites can cause stippling, discoloration, and distortion of the leaves. They thrive in hot, dry conditions, so keeping the plant well-watered and increasing the humidity around it can help prevent infestations. If an infestation occurs, use a miticide to control it.
Thrips: These tiny, slender insects can cause yellowing or silvery flecking of the leaves, as well as distorted flowers. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes reddish-brown spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Severe infections can cause the plant to die back. To manage rust, remove infected plant material and dispose of it. You can also use a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can be controlled by improving air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. If an infection occurs, use a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Root rot: Root rot is a soil-borne disease that can cause the plant to wilt and die back. To manage root rot, avoid over-watering the plant and make sure it is planted in well-draining soil. If an infection occurs, remove the affected plant material and dispose of it.
By taking proactive measures such as proper watering, fertilization, and overall plant care, you can help reduce the impact of pests and diseases on your Lomatium graveolens var. alpinum.
