Origin
Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose var. triternatum, commonly known as nineleaf biscuitroot, is a plant species native to North America. It can be found in many western states of the USA and parts of British Columbia, Canada.
Common Names
Nineleaf biscuitroot is the most commonly used name for Lomatium triternatum var. triternatum. However, it is also known by several other common names, such as nine-leaved biscuitroot, Indian carrot, wild carrot, and several other names that vary by region.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 1 meter tall and has nine leaves, giving it the name nineleaf biscuitroot. Its stem is stout and covered in fine hairs. The leaves are long and narrow with finely divided leaflets. The flowers are small, white to yellow, and occur in clusters arranged in a compound umbel at the top of the stem. The seeds are flat and oval-shaped, with a length of around 3 mm.
Uses
Lomatium triternatum var. triternatum has been used as a medicinal plant by Native American tribes for centuries. The root was used to treat respiratory conditions, such as coughs, colds, and bronchitis, as well as digestive issues, such as indigestion and diarrhea. The roots are also a good source of calories and can be eaten boiled or roasted. Today, the plant is still used for several medicinal and culinary purposes by different cultures in the western United States.
Growth conditions for Lomatium triternatum var. triternatum
Lomatium triternatum var. triternatum, commonly referred to as nineleaf biscuitroot, is a native herbaceous plant found in western North America. It is an important perennial species for soil stabilization and wildlife habitat. The following sections describe the growth conditions necessary for the healthy growth and development of Lomatium triternatum var. triternatum:
Light Requirements
Lomatium triternatum var. triternatum grows best in full sun to partial shade conditions. However, it can tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. In a shaded environment, the plant may produce fewer flowers and grow taller in an effort to find more light. On the other hand, in full sun conditions, the plant can be more compact and exhibit more flowers.
Temperature Requirements
Lomatium triternatum var. triternatum grows in a wide range of temperatures, from cold to warm seasons. It is highly adapted to various soil moisture conditions, making it suitable for growth in both mesic and xeric environments. In its native range, it can be found growing in semi-arid and montane habitats with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C.
Soil Requirements
Lomatium triternatum var. triternatum grows best in well-draining, sandy, or clay loam soils. It can also grow in soils with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. The plant prefers soils that are nutrient-rich but not too fertile, as excessive nutrients can lead to taller growth at the expense of flowers and seeds. The ideal soil moisture conditions vary depending on the location and season. Generally, the plant can tolerate both wet and dry soils.
Cultivation
Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose var. triternatum is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained, sandy soil. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The plant can be grown from seeds or transplanted as a mature plant.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the health of Lomatium triternatum. During the growing season, the plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. In the winter, the plant needs less frequent watering, but the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Lomatium triternatum does not require frequent fertilization. However, adding a balanced slow-release fertilizer once a year at the start of the growing season can help ensure healthy growth and blooming. Organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure can also be added to the soil to promote soil health.
Pruning
Lomatium triternatum does not require frequent pruning. However, it is important to remove any dead or damaged stems and leaves as soon as possible to prevent the spread of diseases. Cutting back the plant to promote bushier growth can be done in the spring before new growth appears. It is important to sterilize pruning tools before and after use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Lomatium Triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose var. Triternatum
Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose var. triternatum is commonly known as nine-leaved biscuitroot. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose var. triternatum is through seeds. This can be done by collecting mature seeds from the plant and sowing them in a well-prepared soil bed in early spring. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not saturated, throughout the germination period. The germination period for this plant is generally about 30-45 days.
Seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground once they have developed at least two true leaves. It is important to maintain adequate moisture levels throughout the growing season to ensure optimal growth.
Division
Another method of propagating Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose var. triternatum is through division. This method involves dividing the mature plant into smaller sections and replanting them in a suitable location. This method is best done in the late summer or early fall, after the plant has finished flowering. The separated section should be carefully dug up, and any damaged roots should be removed before replanting in a well-prepared soil bed.
Cuttings
Propagation can also be done through stem cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the plant and replanting them in a well-prepared soil bed. This method is best done in the late spring or early summer, just as the plant is beginning to come out of its dormant period.
The cuttings should be about 5-10 cm in length and should be planted in a soil mix that is well-draining and has good water-holding capacity. The cuttings should be kept moist, but not saturated, throughout the rooting period, which can take up to 6-8 weeks.
Propagation of Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose var. triternatum can be done through several methods. Seed propagation, division, and stem cuttings are all effective methods of propagating this plant.
Disease Management for Lomatium triternatum
Lomatium triternatum is generally a healthy plant that is well adapted to its native habitat. However, certain diseases can affect the plant, particularly in areas where it is grown outside of its natural range. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Root Rots: Lomatium triternatum can be affected by root rot diseases caused by various fungi, such as Armillaria mellea, Phytophthora spp., Rhizoctonia solani, and Fusarium spp. To manage root rots, it is very important to plant Lomatium triternatum in well-drained soil and avoid over-watering.
- Fungal Leaf Spots: Lomatium triternatum can be affected by several types of fungal leaf spot diseases, including Septoria spp. and Cercospora spp. Affected leaves will develop brown to black spots, which may enlarge and coalesce over time, leading to premature defoliation. To control fungal leaf spot diseases, it is recommended to use resistant varieties, plant in well-drained soil, and avoid overhead watering.
- Anthracnose: Lomatium triternatum can be affected by anthracnose, which is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum spp. Symptoms include sunken lesions with red or brown borders on stems and leaves. To manage anthracnose, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant debris, and prune affected branches and stems.
Pest Management for Lomatium triternatum
Several types of pests can infest Lomatium triternatum, including:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause yellowing, stunting, and curling of leaves. To control aphids, it is recommended to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of various species of moths. They feed on the stem and leaves of Lomatium triternatum, causing significant damage. To control cutworms, it is recommended to apply biological control agents, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, or use physical barriers such as collars around the base of the plant.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can infest Lomatium triternatum, causing yellowing of leaves. To control spider mites, it is recommended to spray the plant with water to reduce their numbers and increase humidity around the plant.
