Origin and Common Names
Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. clarkii Welsh is a species of flowering plant in the carrot family Apiaceae. It is native to Western North America, specifically found in the states of Nevada, California, and Oregon. This plant is commonly known as Clark's biscuitroot and is also referred to as Clark's Lovage or Perfoliate Luatium.
General Appearance
Lomatium graveolens var. clarkii is a perennial herb, growing up to 1 meter tall. The plant stems are slender and wiry, with leaves divided into numerous segments, and having an overall fern-like appearance. The flowers are small and white, borne in an umbel, which is a flat-topped cluster of individual flowers that is characteristic of the carrot family. The plant's roots are large and deep-seated, sometimes measuring up to a meter in length, and are edible.
Uses
The roots and leaves of Clark's biscuitroot (Lomatium graveolens var. clarkii) were extensively used by Native American tribes for their medicinal properties. The roots were consumed as a food source, but were also used in traditional medicine as a treatment for respiratory issues, sore throats, coughs, colds, and flu. The roots were also heated and applied externally to wounds and sores to prevent infection and promote healing. The leaves were used in poultices and applied topically to reduce inflammation and swelling. Today, the plant is still used as a medicinal herb and is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens for its attractive foliage and flowers.
Light Requirements
Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. clarkii Welsh thrives in sunny environments. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly. Insufficient sunlight usually results in a slower growth rate and a weaker plant structure.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows well in temperatures ranging from 55°F to 80°F (12.7°C to 26.7°C). The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 65°F to 75°F (18.3°C to 23.9°C).
Soil Requirements
Lomatium graveolens prefers well-drained rocky or sandy soils with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. The plant grows mainly in dry soil conditions, hence, does not require a lot of water. During winter, when temperatures drop, the plant becomes dormant, and therefore does not require any water during this period.
Cultivation of Lomatium graveolens var. clarkii
Lomatium graveolens var. clarkii, commonly known as Clark's desert parsley, is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant native to western North America. It is known for its delicate white flowers and pungent aroma, which attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Here are some tips on how to cultivate this plant.
Soil and Sun Requirements
Lomatium graveolens var. clarkii prefers well-draining soils with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It grows best in full sun to partial shade but can tolerate full shade. The plant is adapted to arid climates and can survive in poor or rocky soils.
Watering Needs
Lomatium graveolens var. clarkii is a drought-tolerant plant and requires minimal watering. It can survive on natural rainfall alone, but during the establishment period, it needs regular watering to promote root growth. Once the plant is established, it can survive extended periods of drought, but deep watering once or twice a month during the growing season is beneficial.
Fertilization
Lomatium graveolens var. clarkii does not require frequent fertilization. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer can harm the plant's growth and reduce its aromatic oil production. However, adding a balanced fertilizer once a year during the growing season can promote blooming and increase the plant's vigor.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Lomatium graveolens var. clarkii. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage the plant to produce more flowers. However, leaving the seedheads intact can provide food for birds and other wildlife. In the spring, removing old leaves can encourage new growth and maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal.
Propagation of Lomatium graveolens var. clarkii Welsh
Lomatium graveolens var. clarkii Welsh is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. The plant is native to North America and is commonly known as Clark's lomatium. Propagation of this plant is usually done through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by seed
Propagation by seed is the most common method of propagating Lomatium graveolens var. clarkii Welsh. The seeds are collected from mature plants during the fall season. After collecting the seeds, they are cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring when they are ready to be sown.
Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified to improve germination rates. Scarification can be done by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or by soaking them in water for a few hours. After scarification, the seeds can be sown in a seed tray filled with a well-draining potting mix.
The seed tray should be placed in a warm, well-lit area but protected from direct sunlight. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown until they are ready to be planted out in the garden.
Propagation by cutting
Propagation by cutting is another way to propagate Lomatium graveolens var. clarkii Welsh. This method is often used for the propagation of cultivars as it allows for the retention of specific genetic traits.
The best time to take cuttings is in the summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be about 4 to 6 inches long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
The cutting can be planted in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain humidity levels. The cutting should be kept in a warm, well-lit area but protected from direct sunlight. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, until the cutting has developed roots, which usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Once the cutting has developed roots, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or planted out in the garden.
Disease Management
Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. clarkii Welsh is susceptible to a few diseases such as Powdery Mildew and Leaf Spot.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as white, powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. This disease can cause deformation, stunting, and disfigurement of the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, the affected plants must be pruned to remove the affected parts of the plant. Application of sulfur or copper-based fungicides can also control the spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot disease of Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. clarkii Welsh is caused by the fungus Alternaria spp. which leaves dark brown spots on the leaves of the plant. Infected leaves eventually dry up and fall off. To manage leaf spot, the affected parts of the plant must be pruned and destroyed. The soil around the plant should also be cleaned and treated with fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. clarkii Welsh is not the target of many pests, but it can still be affected by some pests such as aphids and spider mites.
Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing leaves to curl and turn yellow. The application of insecticidal soap or neem oil can effectively manage aphids infestation. Another natural predator that can help control aphids is the ladybug.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that cause discoloration and speckling of the leaves of Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. clarkii Welsh. The use of insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil can help in controlling spider mites. Regular cleaning of the leaves can also help prevent infestation.
