Overview
Lomatium scabrum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias var. tripinnatum Goodrich is a herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is also commonly known as Barestem biscuitroot or Scabrous lomatium. The plant is native to the western region of North America and can be found growing in numerous habitats such as open woods, dry slopes, and talus fields.
Appearance
Lomatium scabrum is a perennial plant that can grow up to one meter tall. It has an upright stem that is mostly hairless (glabrous) with a few sparse hairs on its upper side. The leaves of the plant are arranged alternately on the stem and are about 12 to 20 centimeters long. The leaves are deeply divided into narrow segments, giving them a feathery appearance.
The flowers of the plant are arranged in clusters at the end of the stem and are typically yellow or white in color. Lomatium scabrum blooms from March to June, depending on the elevation and location.
Uses
Lomatium scabrum has been traditionally used by Indigenous people for various medicinal purposes such as treating colds, coughs, sore throats, and other respiratory ailments. The plant is also used by some Native American tribes as a food source. The roots are edible and have a sweet flavor when cooked. The seeds of the plant were ground into a flour and then used in breadmaking by some tribes.
Currently, there are ongoing studies on Lomatium scabrum's potential medicinal properties, including its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the plant may have potential toxicity issues, particularly with its roots and seeds, and should not be consumed without proper guidance and consultation with a healthcare professional.
Light Requirements
Lomatium scabrum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias var. tripinnatum Goodrich is a plant that requires full or partial sunlight to grow. In natural habitats, this plant is commonly found in open areas where it can access ample sunlight. In the garden setting, the plant should be placed in a location that provides a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
The Lomatium scabrum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias var. tripinnatum Goodrich plant can tolerate a wide range of temperature conditions. This plant can grow in locations with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C. The plant is drought-tolerant and can withstand mild frost. In areas with extreme winter conditions, it is advisable to provide some protection of the roots with mulch during winter.
Soil Requirements
The Lomatium scabrum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias var. tripinnatum Goodrich plant can grow in a wide range of soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5, and the soil should be moderately fertile. Good growing medium for this plant should be composed of a mixture of topsoil and compost in equal proportions.
Cultivation
Lomatium scabrum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias var. tripinnatum Goodrich is a resilient plant that is widespread in the wild. Cultivation of this plant is not challenging, but it requires a few considerations to succeed.
The plant prefers full sun exposure in areas with well-draining soils. Start by preparing the planting area by mixing compost and organic matter to promote good soil texture and drainage. Plant the seeds in spring or fall and cover them with about an inch of soil.
It is essential to maintain the soil moisture until the establishment of seedlings, and this can be achieved by covering the soil with a layer of mulch.
Careful attention should be given to the climate, as this plant grows naturally in dry areas and can tolerate moderate drought. Nevertheless, it is also essential to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot and harm the plant's growth.
Watering Needs
Lomatium scabrum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias var. tripinnatum Goodrich is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. During the hot summer months, the plant may need watering once a week to keep the soil moist.
It would be best to water the plant deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out before the next watering session. Be careful not to overwater, which can cause root rot, fungal diseases, and damage the plant's growth and development.
Fertilization
Lomatium scabrum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias var. tripinnatum Goodrich thrives in poor soil conditions, and it is not necessary to fertilize the plant frequently. Fertilizing the plant regularly can cause its leaves to grow excessively, resulting in a disproportionate balance between the roots and the leaves.
However, adding nutrients to the soil during the early stages of growth can help establish the plant's roots. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, and ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning
This plant does not require significant pruning. Deadheading or removing old flowers can help promote better growth and encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
If the plant's foliage becomes too dense, thinning can be done in the early spring to remove dead or damaged leaves. It is also necessary to prune any diseased or dead stems to keep the plant healthy.
Propagation Methods for Lomatium scabrum var. tripinnatum
Lomatium scabrum var. tripinnatum, commonly called the "large-headed lomatium," is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to western North America. Its tall, sturdy, and erect stem can reach up to 1.5 meters in height, and its leaves are large, dark green, and deeply divided. Its flowers are small and white and are grouped into an umbrella-shaped cluster.
If you want to propagate Lomatium scabrum var. tripinnatum, there are two common methods:
Seed Propagation
The first and most common method of propagation is by using seeds. Fresh seeds collected from a mature plant can be sown in early spring. You can sow them directly into the garden bed or in a seedling tray. If you opt for the latter, make sure to transplant the seedlings as soon as they have grown tall enough to handle.
The germination of Lomatium scabrum var. tripinnatum seeds can be slow and erratic, so be patient and water them regularly. Once the seedlings have matured for about six months, you can transplant them into a larger container or move them to an outdoor environment.
Division Propagation
The second method of propagation is by dividing mature plants. This is a great way to reproduce plants that have already established a root system. The best time to divide a Lomatium scabrum var. tripinnatum plant is in late spring after flowering. First, carefully dig up the plant, and then divide it into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a sufficient number of roots and shoots.
After dividing, you can plant each section directly into the garden bed or transplant them individually into larger containers. Make sure to water them regularly and provide them with enough sunlight and well-draining soil. Keep them moist until they are established, and then reduce watering gradually.
By using either of these two propagation methods, you can easily propagate Lomatium scabrum var. tripinnatum and enjoy its beautiful foliage and flowers in your garden.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that can affect Lomatium scabrum var. tripinnatum, including powdery mildew, rust, and fungal leaf spots. To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene. This involves removing any infected plant material and debris from around the plant and using clean and sterilized tools when pruning or trimming the plant. Additionally, practicing crop rotation can help prevent the build-up of disease in the soil. Fungicides can also be used as a last resort but should be used according to label directions.
Pest Management
One common pest that can affect Lomatium scabrum var. tripinnatum is the root weevil. These pests can cause significant damage to the roots of plants, leading to stunted growth and reduced vigor. To manage root weevils, it is important to practice good plant hygiene and eliminate any potential breeding sites, such as fallen leaves and debris. Additionally, using insecticidal sprays or nematodes can be effective in controlling root weevil populations.
Another pest that can affect Lomatium scabrum var. tripinnatum is aphids. These pests can quickly cover plants and suck the sap from the leaves, leading to yellowing and stunted growth. To manage aphids, using integrated pest management strategies such as introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings can be effective. Alternatively, using insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective in controlling aphid populations.
