Origin
Lomatium plummerae (Coult. & Rose) Coult. & Rose var. austiniae (Coult. & Rose) Mathias, commonly known as Austin’s desert-parsley, is a perennial herb from the Apiaceae family. This plant is native to the western regions of North America, particularly found in California and Oregon. It grows in dry, rocky, and sandy habitats, often found in scrublands, grasslands, and open plains.
Common Names
Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae is known by several common names, including Austin's desert-parsley, Austin's lomatium, and Austin's nuttallia.
Uses
Indigenous people have long used Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae as food and medicine. The roots of the plant have been an important food source for Native Americans, who would boil or roast and eat the roots much like carrots. The plant’s root was also used as a medicinal herb to treat the common cold, coughs, and other respiratory issues. Some Native American tribes even used it to treat venereal diseases.
Today, Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae is an essential plant for restoring disturbed and damaged habitats. It is also used in landscaping, as the plant requires little water and can survive in harsh environments.
General Appearance
Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae is a small, perennial herb that typically grows between 20 and 40 centimeters tall. It has long, narrow leaves that are finely divided and expand into a rounded shape. The plant produces a stem with flat-topped clusters of tiny, yellow flowers. The root of Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae is thick and typically grows six to twelve inches deep into the soil. This plant is hardy and can withstand drought and extreme temperatures, making it an excellent choice for landscaping in arid regions.
Light Requirements
Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can affect its overall health and flowering. If grown indoors, ensure that it receives bright, indirect sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in moderate temperatures. It can tolerate heat, but during the summer months, it is important to ensure that the soil remains moist to avoid dehydration. In colder months, provide some protection against frost to prevent damage to the plant. The ideal temperature range for Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae is between 10°C and 25°C (50°F to 77°F).
Soil Requirements
Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae grows best in well-draining soils with good organic content. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. A pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal for this plant species. Ample organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, can be added to the soil to improve drainage and fertility.
Cultivation
Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae is a perennial plant that commonly grows in dry open forests, rocky slopes, and meadows in the western United States. It prefers well-drained soils and full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
When transplanting seedlings, ensure you have loamy soil such as sandy loam or clay loam, with a pH ranging from 6.8 to 7.2. Keep the plants spaced at 8-12 inches apart to allow enough space for growth and development.
Watering Needs
Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae is a drought-resistant plant, but it requires regular watering to establish the root systems. This plant should be watered deeply every two weeks, especially during the hot summer months. Once established, watering should be reduced to once a month. Overwatering may lead to root rot and other bacterial infections.
Fertilization
Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae is a low maintenance plant that does not require much fertilizer. The soil for this plant is primarily nutrient-poor, and therefore requires only moderate fertilization. It is recommended that you apply a slow-release fertilizer in small quantities once a year in early spring.
It is crucial to avoid using nitrogen-based fertilizers since they may stimulate excessive vegetative growth and reduce flowering ability.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae. It is a self-seeding plant that requires minimal maintenance. However, it is advisable to remove dead or damaged stems and cut back older plants in the early spring to ensure they can regenerate better.
Propagation of Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae
Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae is a native Californian plant, commonly known as Austin's lomatium. It is a member of the Apiaceae family and is known for its yellow flowers and fragrant leaves. Propagation of this plant can be done through seed or vegetative means.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae can be collected from the plant during its blooming season, which is from early to mid-spring. The seeds should be collected from the healthiest plants with the best flowers to ensure genetic diversity and vigor. After collection, the seeds should be kept in a cool and dry place until planting. Planting should be done in the fall, about a quarter of an inch deep in soil that is well-draining and moist.
The seeds of this plant require a period of cold stratification to break their dormancy. This can be achieved by placing them in a plastic bag with some moist soil and leaving them in a refrigerator for about two to three months. After this period, the seeds are ready for planting. Germination can take anywhere from two to six weeks, and seedlings should be kept moist but not overly wet until they are established.
Vegetative Propagation
Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae can also be propagated vegetatively through root division or stem cuttings. Root division involves digging up an established plant and separating the roots into smaller sections, each with a healthy shoot or two. These sections should then be replanted in prepared soil and kept moist until established.
Stem cuttings can also be taken from the plant during its active growing season. Cuttings should be about four inches in length and taken from the plant's new growth. Leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil. They should be kept moist and in a partially shaded area until established.
Propagation of Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae can be a rewarding experience for gardeners and can help conserve this beautiful native species.
Disease and Pest Management for Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae
Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae is a member of the carrot family and is commonly known as Austin's lomatium. Being a wildflower endemic to California, this plant provides an important habitat for native pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. However, like any other plant, Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae is also susceptible to various diseases and pests that affect its growth and survival. Therefore, proper disease and pest management practices are essential to maintain the health and productivity of this plant.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that typically develops in humid conditions and causes gray or white powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove any infected plant parts, avoid watering the leaves, and apply a fungicide according to the instructions on the label.
Another disease that can affect Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae is root rot. Root rot is caused by soil-borne pathogens that attack the roots and cause them to decay. Symptoms of root rot include wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage, avoid over watering the plant, and apply a fungicide to the affected areas.
Common Pests
Aphids are the most common pests that affect Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to curl and become distorted. To manage aphids, wash the plant with a strong stream of water, apply insecticidal soap according to the instructions on the label, and introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Another pest that can affect Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae is the carrot rust fly. The carrot rust fly is a small fly that lays its eggs on the soil near the roots of the plant. The larvae hatch and burrow into the roots, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage carrot rust fly, apply nematodes to the soil according to the instructions on the label and cover the plant with a floating row cover to prevent adult flies from laying eggs.
By implementing proper disease and pest management practices, it is possible to prevent or manage most diseases and pests that affect Lomatium plummerae var. austiniae. Regular monitoring of the plant, early detection of any problems, and immediate action can help keep the plant healthy and productive.
