Overview:
Lomatium mohavense (Coult. & Rose) Coult. & Rose ssp. longilobum Theobald, commonly known as desert parsley, is a herbaceous plant species belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is native to North America, particularly in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts of the United States.
General Appearance:
Desert parsley is a tall, perennial herb that can grow up to 1 meter in height. It has a stout taproot and a densely hairy stem that is purplish-brown in color. The leaves are basal, with long petioles and are pinnately divided into numerous segments. The inflorescence is a cluster of small yellow flowers arranged in umbels that bloom from late winter through spring.
Common Names:
Lomatium mohavense is commonly known as desert parsley, Mohave lomatium, and long-lobed lomatium.
Uses:
The plant has several medicinal uses among the Native American tribes in the southwestern United States. It was used traditionally as a treatment for respiratory ailments, rheumatism, and as a general tonic. Studies have shown that Lomatium mohavense has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The plant is also of ecological significance as it provides habitat and food for several species of wildlife, including butterflies, moths, and pollinators.
Light Requirements
Lomatium mohavense ssp. longilobum is a sun-loving plant that requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but it grows best in areas where it receives direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to the arid and semi-arid regions of the western United States and is known to tolerate dry and hot conditions. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 35°F to 100°F, but it grows best when the temperature ranges from 50°F to 80°F.
Soil Requirements
Lomatium mohavense ssp. longilobum grows well in well-drained soil that is sandy or gravelly with low to moderate fertility. It prefers soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It is adapted to soils that are low in organic matter, but it needs some moisture to germinate and establish. It is also tolerant of soils with some salinity.
Cultivation Methods
Lomatium mohavense (Coult. & Rose) Coult. & Rose ssp. longilobum Theobald, also known as Mohave lomatium, is a native herbaceous perennial that grows best in full sunlight. It thrives in a variety of well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, so it requires enough space to spread out.
Watering Needs
Mohave lomatium requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. The plant prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is recommended to water the plant once a week, or more frequently during hot and dry weather. However, be sure not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. It is better to let the soil dry out slightly before watering again.
Fertilization
Mohave lomatium does not require a lot of fertilization. However, it can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring when new growth appears. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential for Mohave lomatium, but it can help keep the plant tidy and remove dead or damaged foliage. Cut back the stems to the base of the plant in early spring before new growth emerges. This will stimulate new growth and maintain the plant's overall shape. Additionally, trimming back the spent flower stems can encourage the development of new flowers.
Propagation of Lomatium mohavense ssp. longilobum
Lomatium mohavense ssp. longilobum, commonly known as Mohave lomatium, is a perennial herb native to Arizona, California, and Nevada in the United States. The plant belongs to the carrot family (Apiaceae) and is notable for its delicate, fern-like leaves and umbels of small yellow flowers.
Propagation of Lomatium mohavense ssp. longilobum can be achieved through both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Lomatium mohavense ssp. longilobum can be collected from mature plants once the seed heads have turned brown and dried out. The seeds can be sown directly into the ground in the fall, or they can be started indoors in the spring and transplanted outside once the danger of frost has passed. The seeds should be placed just below the surface of the soil and kept consistently moist until they germinate, which can take up to three weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Lomatium mohavense ssp. longilobum can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as division and cuttings. Division involves digging up the plant and separating the root system into smaller sections, each of which can be planted separately. Cuttings can be taken from the plant during the growing season and planted in a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept consistently moist and in a protected area until they have formed roots and can be transplanted outside.
Disease Management
The most common diseases affecting Lomatium mohavense ssp. longilobum are fungal diseases. Here are some tips to manage them:
- Avoid overhead watering as it can promote the spread of fungal spores.
- Remove and destroy any infected plant parts immediately to prevent further spread.
- Fungicides can be used preventively or to manage an existing infection. Consult a professional or refer to the product label for specific instructions.
- Crop rotation can also help prevent the buildup of soil-borne pathogens.
Pest Management
Lomatium mohavense ssp. longilobum is generally not prone to many pests, but here are some that may occasionally cause problems and how to manage them:
- Aphids: These small insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by spraying the plant down with a strong stream of water.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can be managed by regularly spraying the plant with water to increase humidity and using predatory mites or insecticidal soap.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars can be managed by using collars around the base of the plant and removing any visible pests by hand.
- Snails and slugs: These pests can be managed by removing any hiding places (such as boards or rocks) and using baits or copper barriers to keep them away from the plants.
