Overview of Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose ssp. platycarpum (Torr.) Cronq.
Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose ssp. platycarpum (Torr.) Cronq. is a plant species belonging to the Apiaceae family. The plant is commonly known as three-leaf desert parsley or nine-leaf biscuitroot. The plant is native to western North America, ranging from British Columbia to California, and east to Montana and Wyoming.
General Appearance
The Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose ssp. platycarpum (Torr.) Cronq. plant is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1 meter tall. The stems are slender and branching, with finely divided leaves. The plant has white to yellow-green flowers that appear in the spring and summer. The flowers are arranged in compact, flat-topped clusters at the top of the stems. The fruit of the plant is a flattened, oval-shaped structure that contains two seeds.
Uses of Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose ssp. platycarpum (Torr.) Cronq.
The Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose ssp. platycarpum (Torr.) Cronq. plant has a long history of medicinal use by Native Americans. The roots of the plant were traditionally used to treat a range of respiratory ailments, including colds, coughs, and tuberculosis. The roots were also used as a general tonic for the body.
Today, the plant is still used as a traditional medicine for respiratory ailments. Additionally, the plant is used as a food source. The roots can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute, while the seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. The plant is also used in some natural skin care products.
Growth Conditions for Lomatium Triternatum ssp. Platycarpum
Lomatium Triternatum ssp. Platycarpum is commonly known as nine-leaf biscuitroot. It is a hardy, adaptive plant that can grow in various environmental conditions.
Light Requirements
The plant can grow in full sun as well as partial shade. However, it prefers to grow in areas with plenty of sunlight. Therefore, planting it in an area that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight daily will help it grow better.
Temperature Requirements
The nine-leaf biscuitroot can grow in both warm and cold temperatures. However, it prefers temperatures that range from 50 to 75 °F. It can survive temperatures as low as -40°F and as high as 110°F. Nevertheless, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can reduce its growth rate and flowering ability.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in various soil conditions but prefers well-draining soils. It can thrive in soil that is sandy, loamy, or clay, as long as the soil is not waterlogged. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.0) and can tolerate slightly alkaline soil as well. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its fertility, enabling the plant to grow better.
Water Requirements
Lomatium Triternatum ssp. Platycarpum can grow in areas with low precipitation levels, making it suitable for xeriscaping. However, it needs regular watering, especially during its growing season, to attain optimal growth. Watering the plant once every week is sufficient, as it can withstand dry conditions for an extended period.
Fertilizer Requirements
The plant does not require any fertilizers as it can draw nutrients from the soil. Applying fertilizer can lead to overfertilization, causing the plant to grow poorly or fail to flower.
In summary, Lomatium Triternatum ssp. Platycarpum is a hardy plant that can thrive in various environmental conditions. It prefers to grow in areas with plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and regular watering. Planting it in an area with temperatures that range from 50 to 75 °F is ideal for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose ssp. platycarpum (Torr.) Cronq., commonly known as nine-leaf biscuitroot, is a hardy perennial plant that is native to the western part of North America. It is a drought-tolerant plant that grows well in full sun to partial shade in hot, dry climates. It prefers well-drained soil but can also grow in poor, rocky soils.
The plant can either be grown from seed or transplanted as a mature plant. When planting seeds, it is essential to sow them in the fall or early spring. Germination can take several weeks to a few months, and the seeds should be planted about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in the soil. The plant grows best when kept in an area with good air circulation and high humidity, and it is recommended that they be spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart.
Watering Needs
Once established, Lomatium triternatum requires little watering, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water. However, during its initial growth stages, it is crucial to provide the plant with sufficient water to establish its root system. In general, the plant should be watered once a week during its first year, and after that, it can be watered as needed. Overwatering the plant can lead to root rot, so it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained.
Fertilization
Lomatium triternatum is a plant that does not require a lot of fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause the plant to grow too quickly, which can weaken the overall structure of the plant. Adding organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to the soil before planting can provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to thrive. Additionally, using a slow-release fertilizer during the plant's initial growth stages can help the plant establish its root system. If the plant seems to be struggling, a balanced liquid fertilizer can be used during its first year of growth. However, it is vital to follow the instructions and not to over-fertilize.
Pruning
Lomatium triternatum does not require a lot of pruning. The plant should be allowed to grow naturally, and any dead or diseased branches should be pruned away carefully. It is essential to avoid pruning the plant too heavily, as it can weaken the overall structure of the plant. If the plant becomes too large or unruly, it can be trimmed back lightly in the fall after blooming is complete. However, this should be done sparingly as the plant's natural growth habit can help maintain its drought-tolerant characteristics.
Propagation of Lomatium triternatum ssp. platycarpum
Lomatium triternatum ssp. platycarpum, commonly known as Biscuitroot, is a perennial plant that belongs to the parsley family. It is native to the western region of North America and is known for its edible roots and medicinal properties. The plant produces flowers, seeds, and roots, which can be used to propagate it.
Propagation by Seed
The most common method of propagating Lomatium triternatum ssp. platycarpum is by seed. Seeds can be collected from mature plants in the late summer or early fall. The seeds should be sown immediately using a well-draining soil mix. They should be sown shallowly, no deeper than 1/4 inch, and covered lightly with soil. The soil should be kept moist until germination, which can take up to four weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Division
Lomatium triternatum ssp. platycarpum can also be propagated by division. This method involves dividing the roots of an established plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This method should be done in the spring when the new growth has started to emerge. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the roots into sections. Replant the sections in a well-draining soil mix, and keep moist until established.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another method of propagating Lomatium triternatum ssp. platycarpum is by cuttings. Take cuttings in the spring from new growth that has not yet hardened. Cut a section of stem that is about 4-6 inches long, remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a rooting medium, water well, and cover with a plastic bag to maintain moisture. Keep the cutting out of direct sunlight until roots have formed, which can take up to four weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a pot or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Lomatium triternatum ssp. platycarpum
Lomatium triternatum ssp. platycarpum is a resilient plant that is relatively disease and pest resistant. However, it is not completely immune to these issues. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Lomatium triternatum ssp. platycarpum is powdery mildew. This fungal disease causes a white, powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to maintain proper air circulation around the plant. Also, avoid watering the plant from above since it can promote the growth of the fungus. Fungicides such as sulfur, neem oil, and potassium bicarbonate can also be applied to control the disease.
Another disease that can affect the plant is root rot caused by Phytophthora. The fungus attacks the roots, leading to root decay and death of the plant. To prevent the disease, avoid over-watering and make sure the soil drains well. The use of well-draining potting mixtures is also recommended. Additionally, fungicides such as azoxystrobin and fosetyl-Al can be used to control Phytophthora.
Pests
The main pest that affects Lomatium triternatum ssp. platycarpum is the aphid. These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing distortions of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, physically remove them by washing the plant with a gentle stream of water. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to control the population.
Spider mites are another pest that can affect the plant. They are tiny mites that suck the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to dislodge them, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
Finally, the plant can also be affected by snails and slugs, which feed on the leaves and stems. Handpicking and using barriers such as copper tape can be effective in managing these pests.
