Description of Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose var. macrocarpum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias
Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose var. macrocarpum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias, also known as biscuit root or desert parsley, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family. The plant is native to western North America, including the Great Basin, the Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific Northwest.
General Appearance
The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has finely divided leaves that are fern-like in appearance. The flowers are small and yellow, arranged in umbels at the end of the stem. The plant produces long taproots, which can reach up to 4 feet deep in the soil.
Common Names
Biscuit root and desert parsley are common names for the plant, reflecting the historical uses of the taproot as a food source for indigenous people. Other common names for Lomatium triternatum include fernleaf biscuitroot, nine-leaf biscuitroot, and spring beauty.
Uses
The taproot of Lomatium triternatum was an important food source for Native American people, who ground it into flour and used it to make a type of bread or biscuit. The plant has also been used medicinally as a respiratory aid, to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.
Lomatium triternatum is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant, making it a valuable addition to xeriscapes and native gardens. It is also an important component of wildlife habitat, providing food and shelter for a variety of insects and animals.
Light Requirements
Lomatium triternatum var. macrocarpum typically grows in full sun to partial shade environments. They require ample sunlight to maintain healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
Lomatium triternatum var. macrocarpum is mainly distributed in arid and semiarid regions, so they are highly adapted to hot and dry conditions. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can survive in intense heat and cold regions. However, optimal growth occurs within a range of 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
Soil Requirements
Lomatium triternatum var. macrocarpum prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. They grow best in loamy or sandy soils with good drainage and low levels of organic matter. The plant is also very drought tolerant, making it a great choice for xeriscaping, but consistent watering is necessary for optimal growth during the first few years of establishment.
Cultivation Methods
Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose var. macrocarpum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias is a drought-resistant plant that can grow in a wide range of soil types. It prefers well-draining soil and can grow in either full sun or partial shade. The plant is indigenous to western North America and has a long taproot, making it difficult to transplant. Therefore, it is best to grow Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose var. macrocarpum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias from seed.
The best time to sow seed is in the fall. The seeds require a cold stratification period to germinate. This can be achieved by placing the seed in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for 30-60 days. After stratification, the seed can be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination.
Watering Needs
Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose var. macrocarpum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias is a drought-resistant plant and can tolerate long periods without water. However, it is recommended to water the plant once a week during the growing season, especially during prolonged periods of dry weather. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure to let the soil dry out between watering.
Fertilization
Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose var. macrocarpum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias is a low maintenance plant and does not require fertilization. However, if soil nutrients are poor, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied once a year in the spring before new growth appears.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose var. macrocarpum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias. However, removing spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms. After the plant has finished flowering, allow the seed heads to develop and carefully collect them for future propagation.
Propagation of Lomatium triternatum var. macrocarpum
Lomatium triternatum var. macrocarpum, also known as nineleaf biscuitroot, is a perennial plant native to the western region of North America. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Lomatium triternatum var. macrocarpum is through seed propagation. The seeds of this plant can be collected from mature plants during the fall when the seed heads have begun to dry out. The collected seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place until planting in the spring.
Before planting the seeds, they should be scarified, which means the seed coat is scratched or otherwise damaged to allow water to penetrate and promote germination. This can be done by rubbing the seeds gently with fine-grit sandpaper or by soaking them in hot water for several hours.
Seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mix with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Plant the seeds at a depth of about twice their size, and water the soil thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until seeds begin to sprout. Seedlings can be transplanted when they have developed a few leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Lomatium triternatum var. macrocarpum. This method involves taking cuttings from mature plants, typically during the early spring or fall.
The cuttings should be taken from the upper portion of the plant, and each cutting should be at least 4 inches long with a few leaves attached. Remove any flowers or buds from the cutting, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining soil mix.
Place the planted cuttings in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the cuttings have developed roots and new growth.
Overall, both seed propagation and vegetative propagation can be successful methods for propagating Lomatium triternatum var. macrocarpum. With proper care and attention, these propagation methods can ensure the continuance and distribution of this important plant species.
Disease Management
The Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose var. macrocarpum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias is known to be relatively disease-resistant. However, some fungal and bacterial diseases that can affect the plant are:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora and is characterized by small brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Use fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Root rot: Caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia, this disease affects the root system of the plant and can lead to wilting and death. Manage root rot by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering. Also, use fungicides to prevent and control the spread of the disease.
- Crown rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia and affects the base of the plant. Signs of crown rot include wilting and discolored stems. Manage crown rot by removing infected plants and avoiding planting in areas with a history of the disease. Use fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
The Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose var. macrocarpum (Coult. & Rose) Mathias is also relatively pest-resistant. However, some pests that can affect the plant are:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth. Manage aphids by removing them manually or using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Manage spider mites by increasing humidity levels around the plant and using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Wireworms: These pests are the larvae of click beetles and can feed on the roots of the plant. Manage wireworms by using soil treatments with insecticides or by rotating crops to reduce infestations.
It is always important to monitor your plants regularly and take action as soon as you notice any signs of disease or pest infestation. Early detection and management can greatly reduce the impact of these problems on your crop.
