Overview of Lomatium macrocarpum
Lomatium macrocarpum, commonly known as the bigseed biscuitroot, is a species of herb in the carrot family Apiaceae. This perennial plant is native to North America and can be found in various habitats including grasslands, sagebrush, and woodlands.
General Appearance
The bigseed biscuitroot grows up to 2 to 3 feet tall and has a stout stem with numerous branches. The leaves are up to 10 inches long and are finely divided into narrow segments. The flowers are small and white and are arranged in compact umbels. The fruit is a dry, oval-shaped achene with a hard coat that is approximately 1/4 to 3/8 inch long.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as bigseed biscuitroot, Indian parsnip, and woolly lomatium. The term biscuitroot is derived from the fact that the roots of the plant were once an important food source for Native Americans.
Uses of Lomatium macrocarpum
The roots of the bigseed biscuitroot were used by Native Americans as a food source and medicinal herb. The roots were roasted, ground, and then mixed with water to make a nutritious porridge. The roots were also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as colds, sore throats, and respiratory infections. Currently, Lomatium macrocarpum is used in herbal medicine as a natural remedy for colds, flu, and other respiratory conditions.
Light Requirements
Lomatium macrocarpum typically grows in dry, sunny areas and therefore requires full sun exposure. It can tolerate some shade, especially in the afternoon when the sun is at its hottest, but too much shade may cause the plant to grow tall and spindly.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to western North America and can grow in a variety of temperature ranges. It can tolerate extreme heat and cold and is adapted to both wet and dry conditions. During the growing season, temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) are optimal for growth.
Soil Requirements
Lomatium macrocarpum prefers well-drained soil with a sandy or gravelly texture. It can grow in a variety of soil types including loam, clay, and rocky soils. Soil pH should be between 6.0-7.2 for optimal growth. The plant is tolerant of drought conditions and can survive in areas with low moisture and average rainfall.
Cultivation
Lomatium macrocarpum grows best in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a wide range of soils, but prefers well-draining, sandy loam. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or rocks and amending with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure. Plant the seeds or cuttings at a depth of 1/4 inch and lightly cover with soil. Water well.
Watering Needs
Lomatium macrocarpum requires moderate watering during its growing season from spring through summer. Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. It prefers moist but not waterlogged soil. Reduce watering during the fall and winter months when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization
Excessive fertilization may lead to weak growth and reduced flowering in Lomatium macrocarpum. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring to provide nutrients throughout the growing season. Alternatively, amend the soil with compost or aged manure before planting to provide the necessary nutrients.
Pruning
Prune Lomatium macrocarpum after flowering to promote bushy growth. Cut back the stems to the base or to a healthy side shoot. Remove any dead or diseased plant material throughout the year as needed.
Propagation of Lomatium Macrocarpum
Lomatium Macrocarpum, also known as Bigseed Biscuitroot, is an herbaceous perennial plant of the parsley family and is commonly found in western North America. Propagation of this plant can be done through seeds or division.
Propagation by Seeds:
The seeds of Lomatium Macrocarpum need to be stratified before they are sown. Stratification refers to exposing the seeds to a period of cold, damp conditions to help break their dormancy. You can stratify the seeds by placing them in moist sand or peat and refrigerating them for several weeks. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in fall or early spring on a seedbed or directly into the ground. Sow the seeds thinly and cover them lightly with soil. The germination time of the seeds can vary from 3 to 12 months.
Propagation by Division:
Propagation by division is the easiest and quickest method for Lomatium Macrocarpum. Divide the plant in spring or fall by digging up the clump and separating it into smaller clumps. Each clump should have a healthy root system and several stems. Replant the clumps in well-draining soil and water them well. It is important to only divide the plant when they are mature and have formed a dense root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Lomatium macrocarpum
Lomatium macrocarpum is a native California plant that is known to be relatively disease-resistant. However, like all plants, it may still fall victim to a few pests and diseases. In this section, we will discuss some common pests and diseases that may affect Lomatium macrocarpum and suggest ways to manage them.
Diseases
One disease that can affect Lomatium macrocarpum is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew typically appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, you can remove any infected leaves and discard them in the trash. You may also want to consider applying a fungicide, such as neem oil, to the plant.
Another disease that may affect Lomatium macrocarpum is bacteriosis. Bacteriosis can cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and brown. To prevent bacteriosis, it is important to plant Lomatium macrocarpum in well-draining soil and provide the plant with adequate space and sunlight. If you notice your plant is infected, you should remove any infected leaves and spray the plant with a copper-based fungicide.
Pests
One pest that may affect Lomatium macrocarpum is the aphid. Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause the leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with a strong stream of water or insecticidal soap. You can also introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, into your garden to help control the aphid population.
Another pest that may affect Lomatium macrocarpum is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the underside of leaves and can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with a strong stream of water or insecticidal soap. You can also apply neem oil to the plant to help prevent further infestations.
By regularly inspecting your plant and practicing good plant care, you can help keep Lomatium macrocarpum healthy and free from pests and diseases.
