Overview
Lomatium scabrum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias var. scabrum, also known as biscuitroot or prairie parsley, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. The plant is native to North America and can be found in parts of the western United States, including California, Nevada, and Oregon.
Appearance
The plant has a stout taproot and an upright stem that grows up to 3 feet tall. The stem is covered in fine hairs and has several branches. The leaves are long, narrow, and pinnately divided into leaflets that are also narrow. The flowers are small and arranged in umbels, which are flat-topped clusters. Each flower has five petals that are yellow to light green in color.
Uses
The Native American tribes of the western United States have used Lomatium scabrum for medicinal purposes for centuries. Some tribes used the plant as an antiseptic for wounds, while others used it to treat respiratory illnesses such as coughs and colds. The root of the plant was also used as a source of food by the Native Americans, particularly during times of scarcity or famine.
Today, the plant is still used in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. It is also used as a flavoring agent in some culinary dishes and as an ingredient in some herbal teas.
Cultivation
Lomatium scabrum can be grown from seed and is best suited to well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. The plants prefer dry conditions and are tolerant of drought. They can be propagated by root division in the fall, but care should be taken not to damage the taproot. Once established, the plants require little maintenance beyond occasional watering during dry spells.
Light Requirements
Lomatium scabrum var. scabrum prefers full sun to partial shade to grow and thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but it does not grow well in full shade conditions. It is a highly adaptable plant and can grow in various light intensities, but it prefers full sun to bloom well.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers moderate temperatures to grow and flourish. It can tolerate hot and dry summers and cold winters. Lomatium scabrum var. scabrum prefers a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) during the growing season and can tolerate temperatures up to 35°C (95°F) for short periods. The plant can also withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F) during the winter season.
Soil Requirements
Lomatium scabrum var. scabrum grows well in a well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. The plant prefers sandy loam or loam soils with good organic matter content. It does not grow well in heavy clay soils that retain water for prolonged periods as they can cause root rots. The best soil pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. In the wild, the plant grows in rocky, volcanic, or gravelly soils.
Cultivation
Lomatium scabrum grows best in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and harsh conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or division. When propagating through seeds, it is best to plant them in the fall, as they require a cold stratification period before germinating.
Watering Needs
Lomatium scabrum requires little watering, especially once established. During the hot and dry season, watering should be done deeply and infrequently to simulate natural rainfall and prevent shallow root development.
It is important to ensure that the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging that can damage the roots.
Fertilization
Lomatium scabrum does not require much fertilization, especially if the soil is fertile. In poor soils, a light application of a balanced fertilizer can be done in the early spring to boost growth.
Over-fertilization can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production and can also make the plant susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Lomatium scabrum as it has a compact habit and does not become leggy. However, removing old or damaged foliage can improve the plant's appearance and overall health.
If the plant becomes too large for the area, it can be divided and replanted in the fall or early spring.
Propagation of Lomatium scabrum var. scabrum
Lomatium scabrum var. scabrum, commonly known as the roughstem lomatium, is a native perennial herb that is widely distributed in western North America. It is commonly found in rocky soils of open and dry areas in mountains, foothills, and prairies. This plant is often used for medicinal purposes, and its roots have been traditionally used for treating respiratory infections.
Propagation of Lomatium scabrum var. scabrum can be achieved by different methods, including seed propagation, cuttings, division, and root propagation. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of propagation method will depend on the individual situation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Lomatium scabrum var. scabrum. The seeds are small and can be sown directly into the soil in the fall or early spring. The seeds need to be stratified, which means they need to be exposed to cold temperatures for a period of time before sowing. This can be achieved by placing the seeds in a plastic bag with moist soil and leaving them in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Lomatium scabrum var. scabrum. Stem cuttings can be taken in the early summer and rooted in sand or a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a shaded area until they have rooted. Once they have rooted, they can be transplanted into the garden.
Division
Another method for propagating Lomatium scabrum var. scabrum is by division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting them in different areas. The plant should be divided in the early spring before new growth has started. The sections should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until established.
Root Propagation
Root propagation is another method of propagating Lomatium scabrum var. scabrum. The roots can be dug up in the fall and divided into smaller sections. These sections can then be replanted in well-draining soil and kept moist until established. This method is not as common as seed propagation but can be useful for propagating larger plants.
Overall, the most common method of propagating Lomatium scabrum var. scabrum is by seed. However, each propagation method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on individual circumstances and preferences.
Disease and Pest Management for Lomatium scabrum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias var. scabrum
Lomatium scabrum, commonly known as scabrous biscuitroot, is a herbaceous perennial plant found in various habitats throughout North America. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Lomatium scabrum and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases such as rust, powdery mildew, and root rot can affect Lomatium scabrum. Rust appears as orange-to-reddish spots on the leaves, causing them to drop prematurely. Powdery mildew appears as a powdery gray or white coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers, leading to stunted growth and deformation of the plant. Root rot affects the roots, causing them to turn brown or black and the plant to wilt.
Management: Fungal diseases can be controlled by applying fungicides such as copper-based fungicides and sulfur-based fungicides. Regularly pruning affected plant parts and proper watering can help prevent their occurrence. Moreover, maintaining good air circulation by keeping enough distance between plants may help prevent fungal diseases' spread.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are sap-sucking pests that feed on Lomatium scabrum's leaves and stems. This leads to stunted growth and weakens the plant, making it susceptible to other diseases.
Management: Aphids can be controlled by spraying insecticidal soap or neem oil on leaves. They can also be removed by handpicking or by spraying plants with a strong stream of water to wash them away.
2. Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies or moths that feed on Lomatium scabrum's leaves. They can cause significant damage to the plant, leading to defoliation and stunted growth.
Management: Caterpillars can be controlled by using a biological pesticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or by handpicking them from the leaves.
3. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on Lomatium scabrum's leaves, causing yellowing and bronzing of the leaves. They can cause significant damage to the plant, leading to wilting and defoliation.
Management: Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the leaves with a mixture of water and soap or neem oil. Regularly watering the plants can also help prevent their occurrence.
Overall, preventing diseases and pests in Lomatium scabrum is crucial for the plant's healthy growth and yield. Proper watering, pruning, and spacing are essential for preventing the onset of diseases and pests. It is important to choose the appropriate control measure that is effective, environmentally friendly, and safe for the plant, humans, and beneficial insects.
