Overview
Lomatium humile (Coult. & Rose) Hoover ex Mathias & Constance is a flowering plant species belonging to the parsley family. Its common names include low lomatium, Coulters' lomatium, and fernleaf biscuitroot. The plant is native to western North America, particularly in the Great Basin region.
Appearance
The low lomatium is a herbaceous perennial that grows to a height of 15-30 cm. It has a taproot that can extend up to 60 cm in length. The plant has prominently divided fern-like leaves that are bright green in color with a smooth texture. The inflorescence is a flowering stem that bears umbels of small, yellow flowers. The fruit of the low lomatium is a cylindrical schizocarp that measures up to 1.5 cm long.
Uses
The low lomatium has been traditionally used as a medicinal plant by Native American tribes. Its roots and seeds have been used in various preparations to treat respiratory ailments, including coughs, colds, and influenza. The plant is also believed to have diaphoretic, diuretic, and stimulating properties. Today, the low lomatium is used by some herbalists as a natural remedy for various health conditions.
In addition, the plant is an important food source for various wildlife species, including bighorn sheep, elk, and mule deer. Its seeds provide an essential source of nutrition, especially during the winter months.
Light Requirements
Lomatium humile prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. It requires adequate sunlight for photosynthesis, but too much direct sunlight can cause damage to the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows in a range of temperatures from cool to warm with a preference for moderate temperatures. It is adapted to withstand periods of drought as well as harsh winter conditions, including snow and freezing temperatures. However, it is sensitive to extremely hot temperatures and may suffer heat stress if exposed to long periods of hot weather.
Soil Requirements
Lomatium humile thrives in well-drained soils that are slightly alkaline to neutral. The plant is adapted to grow in dry, rocky, and sandy soils. It prefers well-drained soils that provide good aeration and prevent waterlogging. Soil pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0. It is tolerant of moderate levels of salinity.
Cultivation
Lomatium humile is a hardy native perennial plant that is adaptable to a wide range of soil types. The plant prefers well-drained soils, but can also grow on heavy clay soils and rocky soils. It is best grown in full sun to partial shade.
The plant can be propagated by direct seeding into the garden bed or by dividing existing plants. Direct seeding can be done in the fall or spring, and the seedlings require adequate moisture to germinate and establish. The plant can also be propagated by division during the fall or early spring. Divided plants should be replanted immediately and kept moist until established.
Watering Needs
Lomatium humile requires moderate watering during the growing season. The plant prefers soil that is kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week during the growing season, depending on weather conditions. However, once the plant is established, it can tolerate some drought conditions and requires less watering.
Fertilization
Lomatium humile is a low-maintenance plant that generally does not require fertilization. However, if you wish to boost growth or promote flowering, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once in the spring after new growth appears. Be sure to follow the package instructions carefully, as over-fertilization can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Lomatium humile, but you can remove any dead or diseased foliage or stems as needed. Leave the green, healthy foliage intact to ensure the plant continues to thrive. In the fall, after the plant has gone dormant, it can be cut back almost to ground level to encourage new growth in the spring.
Propagation methods of Lomatium humile
Lomatium humile, also known as the dwarf lomatium, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is native to the western region of North America, from British Columbia to California and Arizona.
The plant can be propagated by seeds, divisions, or cuttings. However, propagation from seeds is usually the most effective method.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Lomatium humile should be collected from the plant when they are ripe. This usually occurs in the late summer or early fall. The seeds can then be sown directly into the soil or started in pots.
The soil should be well-draining and nutrient-rich. Sow the seeds at a depth of about one-quarter inch and water well. The seeds will germinate in about two to three weeks if kept at a temperature of around 70°F.
Transplant the seedlings once they have two sets of true leaves. They should be spaced about six inches apart in the ground or in larger pots.
Division propagation
The dwarf lomatium can also be propagated by division. This method involves splitting the plant into smaller sections and planting them separately.
To do this, use a spade or knife to divide the plant, making sure that each section has its own roots. Replant the divisions at the same depth as the original plant and water well.
Cutting propagation
Lomatium humile can also be propagated by taking cuttings. However, this method is not as effective as seed or division propagation.
To take cuttings, use a sharp, sterile blade to cut a four to six-inch section of stem from the plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a soilless growing medium and keep it moist.
Roots should begin to form in about four to six weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into soil and treated as a regular plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Lomatium humile
Lomatium humile is a flowering plant species that is native to western North America. This plant belongs to the Apiaceae family and is commonly known as Low Lomatium. It is highly used for medicinal purposes, and its roots have been traditionally used by indigenous people as remedies for colds, coughs, and respiratory ailments. However, just like any other plant, Lomatium humile is susceptible to various pests and diseases. Therefore, it is essential to manage these issues effectively to maintain its health and yield.
Common Pests
Several pests affect Lomatium humile. One of the most common is the root-knot nematode, which attacks the roots of the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and ultimately death. These nematodes thrive in sandy or loamy soils and can be managed by planting the crops in well-drained soils and crop rotation.
The aphid is another pest that affects Lomatium humile, sucking the sap from the plant and causing distortions and yellowing leaves. These pests can be managed by washing them off the plant using a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap.
Common Diseases
Lomatium humile is susceptible to several diseases, including root rot, powdery mildew, and Pythium damping-off. Root rot causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves and discoloration of the roots. This disease can be managed by practicing good sanitation practices, airing the soil, and avoiding overwatering.
Powdery mildew is another disease that affects Lomatium humile, characterized by white fuzzy patches on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. This disease affects the plant's photosynthesis capacity and reduces the yield. It can be managed by pruning infected areas of the plant, ensuring proper air circulation, and applying a fungicide.
Pythium damping-off is caused by soil-borne fungi and affects the seedlings of the plant, causing them to rot and die. This disease can be managed by using disease-free planting material, sterilizing the soil, and using a well-draining soil mix.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lomatium humile is an essential medicinal plant species that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Effective disease and pest management strategies are necessary to maintain its productivity and quality. Therefore, practicing good sanitation practices, using disease-free planting material, crop rotation, and applying fungicides and insecticides will help manage pests and diseases of Lomatium humile.
