Overview
Lomatium utriculatum (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Coult. & Rose var. papillatum (Henderson) Mathias, commonly known as Desert Parsley or Indian Biscuitroot, is a perennial plant native to the western United States, including California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. It belongs to the Apiaceae family and is closely related to carrots, fennel, and parsley. This plant has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples for medicinal and nutritional purposes.
Appearance
Desert Parsley can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a woody stem with branches that can be up to 1 foot in length. The leaves are pinnately divided and can be up to 8 inches long. The flowers are small and white or light yellow, arranged in umbels. The fruits are somewhat crescent-shaped and have papillae (tiny bumps) on them.
Uses
Desert Parsley has a variety of uses. Native Americans used it to treat respiratory ailments, such as asthma and bronchitis. It was also used as an antiseptic and to promote wound healing. Additionally, the roots were consumed as a food source, either cooked or raw. The plant is also used as a natural pesticide due to its insecticidal properties.
Currently, Desert Parsley is not commonly used for medicinal purposes, although it is still used as a food source by some Native American tribes. The plant is also used in landscaping and restoration projects due to its ability to thrive in arid and semi-arid environments.
Light Requirements
Lomatium utriculatum var. papillatum typically grows in sunny to partially shaded areas, such as open woodlands, meadows, and slopes. It prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade. Therefore, it is best to plant it where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Lomatium utriculatum var. papillatum is native to Western North America and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can grow in areas with hot summers and cold winters. It prefers temperatures between 60-80°F during the growing season and can survive temperatures as low as -10°F during the dormant season.
Soil Requirements
Lomatium utriculatum var. papillatum grows best in well-drained soils that are deep, moist, and rich in organic matter. It prefers soils that are slightly acidic to slightly alkaline with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate clay soils, but it grows best in sandy loam soils. It is also drought tolerant once established, but it requires regular watering during its first growing season until it establishes a strong root system.
Cultivation
Lomatium utriculatum var. papillatum is a native herb that grows in the western United States, particularly in California. It can adapt to various soil types, including clay, sand, and loam, and can grow in both full sun and partial shade. It thrives in dry conditions and is drought-tolerant.
You can start growing this plant either from seeds or by transplanting seedlings. If starting from seeds, plant them in the soil in early spring after the last frost.
Plant the seeds about 1/8 inch deep in the soil and provide them with consistent moisture. Germination can take several weeks.
Watering Needs
Lomatium utriculatum var. papillatum is a drought-tolerant plant, which means it can survive with very little water. However, it still needs some moisture to thrive and bloom.
If you're growing this plant in a garden, you may not need to water it at all, especially if you live in an area with regular rainfall. But if you're growing it in a pot or container, you'll need to check the soil regularly and give it water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Fertilization
Lomatium utriculatum var. papillatum is a relatively low-maintenance plant and does not require much fertilization.
If you're growing it in a garden, you can add organic matter to the soil before planting to provide some nutrients. However, avoid over-fertilizing this plant as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning of Lomatium utriculatum var. papillatum is generally not necessary as it has a naturally pleasant shape that does not require much manipulation.
If you need to remove any dead or damaged foliage, you can do so by cutting it back to the base of the plant. You can also deadhead the flowers by removing the spent bloom stems.
Propagation of Lomatium Utriculatum var. Papillatum
Lomatium utriculatum var. papillatum is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to western North America and can be found in various habitats such as sagebrush, grasslands, and forests. Propagation of this species can be done through different methods such as seeds, cuttings, or division.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Lomatium utriculatum var. papillatum. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruit capsules from the plant during the fall season. The seeds should then be stored in a cool, dry place until the next spring.
The seeds need to be treated with smoke or cold stratification to improve germination rates. Smoke treatment involves exposing the seeds to smoke for a certain period, while cold stratification means exposing the seeds to a cold and moist environment for a specific time. After the treatment, the seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination occurs.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation of Lomatium utriculatum var. papillatum involves taking cuttings from the plant's stems during the early summer season. The cuttings should be approximately four inches long, and the stems should be young and tender. The bottom leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix.
The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment and watered regularly until roots develop. Once the roots have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Division Propagation
Division propagation of Lomatium utriculatum var. papillatum involves dividing the plant's roots during the fall season. The plant should be dug up carefully, and the root system should be separated into several sections using a sharp knife or pruners. The sections should be planted immediately in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until established.
It is important to note that Lomatium utriculatum var. papillatum is a slow-growing plant, and it may take several years to reach full maturity. However, with the proper care and propagation techniques, this plant can make a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.
Disease and Pest Management for Lomatium utriculatum var. papillatum
Lomatium utriculatum var. papillatum is a robust and hardy plant, but it is still susceptible to certain diseases and pests, which can compromise the plant's health and overall appearance. Effective disease and pest management practices are crucial to maintaining healthy and vigorous L. utriculatum var. papillatum populations, protecting them from the damage caused by pests and diseases.
Common Diseases
L. utriculatum var. papillatum is relatively resistant to many diseases, but it can still be affected by some common diseases, such as:
- Phytophthora root rot: This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus and can cause wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant. To manage this disease, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Rust: This fungal disease leads to the formation of rust-colored spots on the leaves. To manage rust, improve air circulation around the plants and avoid wetting the leaves when watering. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause damping off, stem rot, and leaf spots. Managing this disease can be challenging because it thrives in humid and wet conditions. Avoid overwatering and ensure proper air circulation to prevent the disease from spreading. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread of the disease.
Common Pests
L. utriculatum var. papillatum can also be affected by several pests, including:
- Cutworms: These pests feed on the plant's stem, leading to wilting and eventual plant death. To manage cutworms, use physical barriers such as collars around the stem or use biological control measures like parasitic nematodes.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting of the leaves. To manage spider mites, remove infected plant material and increase air circulation around the plant.
- Whiteflies: These pests suck the sap of the plant and can cause leaf yellowing and wilting. To manage whiteflies, use insecticidal soap or sticky traps to keep their populations under control.
Effective pest and disease management practices, such as regular scouting, early detection, and the prompt removal of infected plant material, can help prevent the spread and minimize the impact of these pests and diseases on L. utriculatum var. papillatum populations.
