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Description
Lomatium grayi, commonly known as Gray’s Lomatium or Gray’s Biscuitroot, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It is a member of the Apiaceae family and is typically found growing in dry, rocky areas, and slopes in western North America. The plant has a taproot and can grow up to 50cm tall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eukaryota | Plantae | Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Apiales | Apiaceae | Lomatium |
Appearance
The Gray’s Lomatium plant has finely divided, feathery leaves that are bluish-green in color. It produces yellow-green flowers from April to July. The flowers are small, clustered, and grow in an umbrella shape. The plant’s fruit is a dry, ribbed seed that is oval in shape.
Care Guide
Lomatium grayi is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions. However, it is important to provide the plant with the following:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gray’s Lomatium is relatively pest and disease-free. However, the plant is susceptible to root rot if soil conditions are too wet. It is important to ensure the plant’s soil is well-drained and not waterlogged.
Habitat
Lomatium grayi is native to western North America and can be found growing in dry, rocky areas, and slopes. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,500 meters. The plant is commonly found in the following states: California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Gray’s Lomatium a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Gray’s Lomatium has been used by Native American tribes for its medicinal properties. It has been used to treat respiratory infections, colds, and coughs.
Q: How can I propagate Gray’s Lomatium?
A: Gray’s Lomatium can be propagated by seed or by dividing mature plants.
Q: Can Gray’s Lomatium be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Gray’s Lomatium can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its taproot.
Q: Is Gray’s Lomatium an endangered species?
A: No, Gray’s Lomatium is not considered an endangered species.
Related Plants
- Lomatium dissectum
- Lomatium utriculatum
- Lomatium triternatum
- Lomatium cous
References
- Bahr, D. L. (1990). Ethnobotany of the Northern Paiute of California. Journal of Ethnobiology, 10(1), 45-62.
- Fagan, D. (2009). Native Plants for Western Landscapes. University of Texas Press.
- USDA Plants Database: Lomatium grayi. (n.d.). Retrieved August 17, 2021, from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=LOGR
