Origin
Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. graveolens, also known as biscuitroot, is a perennial plant that is native to North America. Its range spans from the western United States to Canada, including states such as California, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
Common Names
Biscuitroot is the most common name for Lomatium graveolens, while other names include Indian parsley, wild celery, and desert parsley. The plant's common names are a reflection of its culinary and medicinal uses as well as its physical appearance.
Uses
Lomatium graveolens has been used by indigenous peoples for centuries as a food source, medicine, and even as a trade item. The roots of the plant have a distinctive aroma and flavor, and when dried and ground, they resemble the taste of biscuits, hence the name biscuitroot. Native Americans traditionally roasted, boiled, or baked the roots and used them as a staple food source, particularly when other plant foods were scarce.
The plant has also been used for its medicinal properties by Native Americans and later by early pioneers. The roots of biscuitroot were used to treat respiratory illnesses, including tuberculosis, as well as digestive issues, rheumatism, and headaches. The plant contains compounds that have antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
General Appearance
Biscuitroot is a perennial plant that typically grows to be between 1 and 3 feet tall. It has a deep taproot that can reach several feet in length, which enables the plant to survive in arid and semi-arid environments. The leaves are divided into numerous small leaflets that give it a feathery appearance, and the small yellow or white flowers are arranged in umbels. The plant is most easily identified by its distinctively scented roots.
Growth Conditions for Lomatium graveolens var. graveolens
Light: Lomatium graveolens var. graveolens is typically found in areas with full or partial sun exposure. It is often found growing in meadows, grasslands, and sagebrush steppe habitats where there is enough light for successful photosynthesis. However, it can also grow in shaded areas such as along riparian zones or under trees.
Temperature: This plant is well adapted to varying temperatures, but it tends to grow best in areas with mild to moderate temperatures. It can tolerate extreme cold and snow if the soil remains well-drained, but it will not grow in areas where the soil remains soggy for extended periods. In terms of heat, it can withstand high temperatures but may go dormant during very hot and dry seasons.
Soil: Lomatium graveolens var. graveolens prefers well-draining soils with good aeration. It can grow in sandy, loamy or rocky soils, but it is best adapted to calcareous soils that are rich in calcium carbonate. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.5 and 8. If the soil is too acidic, the plant may not be able to access essential nutrients. Additionally, this plant requires soils with moderate to low fertility.
Water: Lomatium graveolens var. graveolens is drought-tolerant and typically grows in areas with low to moderate rainfall. It can adapt to prolonged dry spells by developing deep taproots that allow it to access moisture from deeper soil layers. However, it may require supplemental watering during prolonged droughts to avoid stress.
Other factors: Disturbance, such as wildfires, can create patches of bare soil that can favor the establishment of Lomatium graveolens var. graveolens. This plant can also benefit from the presence of mycorrhizae fungi in the soil, which can help it absorb nutrients and water more effectively.
Cultivation Methods for Lomatium graveolens
Lomatium graveolens, also known as biscuitroot, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family. This plant species is native to much of the western United States, and it thrives in well-draining soil that is not too rich in nutrients. To cultivate L. graveolens successfully, it is essential to choose a suitable planting location.
First, make sure that the planting area is not too wet or too dry for this plant species. You can then prepare the soil by adding organic matter like compost or aged manure to provide the necessary nutrients and improve drainage. You can then plant the L. graveolens seeds at a depth of about 0.25 to 0.5 inches and wait for them to germinate, which can take up to three weeks.
Watering Needs for Lomatium graveolens
L. graveolens requires moderate watering to thrive. You should water the plant thoroughly once a week, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering the plant, as this can cause root rot and other moisture-related diseases. It is also essential to allow the soil to dry slightly between watering to prevent the plant's roots from suffocating, which can also lead to infection.
Fertilization for Lomatium graveolens
L. graveolens does not require frequent fertilization. A single dose of slow-release fertilizer applied to the soil in the early spring is sufficient for this plant. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning for Lomatium graveolens
Pruning is not necessary for L. graveolens, as it has a naturally attractive form and does not require shaping. However, you can remove any dead or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, removing spent flowers can encourage new growth and extend the plant's blooming period.
Propagation of Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. graveolens
Lomatium graveolens (S. Wats.) Dorn & Hartman var. graveolens, commonly known as biscuit root, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to western North America. The plant can be propagated through both seeds and vegetative means.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from the plant during its fruiting season, which occurs in the late summer and early fall. The seeds should be sown immediately after collecting them, either directly in the ground or in containers placed in a greenhouse or similar protected environment. The seeds should be planted relatively shallowly at a depth of only 1/4 inch, as they require light to germinate. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the seeds should be allowed to dry out between watering.
Vegetative Propagation
In addition to seed propagation, Lomatium graveolens can also be propagated through vegetative means such as division and stem cuttings. Division involves separating the roots of an established plant and replanting them separately. Stem cuttings can be taken from a healthy plant during the growing season, and the cuttings should have at least two nodes. The cuttings can be rooted in a well-draining potting mix and should be kept moist and protected from excessive heat and sunlight.
Disease Management
Lomatium graveolens is susceptible to a range of diseases, including pythium root rot, powdery mildew, and rust.
Pythium root rot: This fungal disease usually occurs in excessively moist soil. The infected plant appears stunted, with yellowing leaves and wilting. To prevent the disease, ensure that the soil is well-draining and reduce the frequency of watering. Infected plants can be treated by drenching the soil with a fungicide that contains metalaxyl.
Powdery mildew: This fungal infection is characterized by a whitish gray powdery growth on the leaves and stems. The leaves then begin to yellow and dry up. Avoid overhead watering and increase air circulation around the plants. Fungicides containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate can help control the symptoms.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that appears as rusty brown spots on leaves and stems. The infected leaves eventually turn yellow and fall off. The disease usually spreads in warm, humid weather. Ensure that the plants are not overcrowded, and practice good garden hygiene. Infected plants can be treated with a fungicide containing myclobutanil.
Pest Management
The main pests that attack Lomatium graveolens include aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars.
Aphids: These tiny pests suck sap from the plant, causing wilting, yellowing, and distortion of leaves. Deter them by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are also natural predators of aphids.
Spider mites: These pests feed on the plant sap, causing webbing and yellowing of leaves. Control their population by removing weeds around the plant. You can also discourage spider mites by misting the plant with water or spraying it with insecticidal soap.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars chew on leaves, causing small holes or completely skeletonizing them. Handpick the caterpillars and destroy them. You can also use insecticides that contain spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis to control their population.
