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Description
Lomatium Californicum is a perennial herb that belongs to the carrot family, Apiaceae. It is native to California and can be found in the western United States. The plant can grow up to 2.5 feet tall and has a woody stem with feathery leaves. It produces clusters of small, yellow flowers that bloom from April to May. The plant’s roots are edible and have been used by indigenous people for food and medicine.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Lomatium |
Appearance
Lomatium Californicum has a distinct appearance with feathery, fern-like leaves and a woody stem. The plant can grow up to 2.5 feet tall and produces clusters of small, yellow flowers that bloom from April to May. The plant’s roots are edible and have a distinctive aroma.
Care Guide
Lomatium Californicum is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:- Water: Lomatium Californicum is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if desired.- Soil: Lomatium Californicum prefers well-draining soil. The plant can grow in sandy, loamy, or rocky soil.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade but may not produce as many flowers.- Hardiness Zones: Lomatium Californicum is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lomatium Californicum is generally pest-free and disease-resistant. However, it may occasionally be affected by aphids or spider mites. You can control these pests by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap.
Habitat
Lomatium Californicum is native to California and can be found in the western United States. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I eat the roots of Lomatium Californicum?
A: Yes, the roots of Lomatium Californicum are edible and have been used by indigenous people for food and medicine.
Q: Does Lomatium Californicum require frequent watering?
A: No, Lomatium Californicum is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Q: What hardiness zones is Lomatium Californicum hardy in?
A: Lomatium Californicum is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Q: What pests and diseases affect Lomatium Californicum?
A: Lomatium Californicum is generally pest-free and disease-resistant. However, it may occasionally be affected by aphids or spider mites.
Related Plants
– Lomatium dissectum- Lomatium triternatum- Lomatium utriculatum- Lomatium grayi
References
– “Lomatium californicum.” Calflora. Accessed October 18, 2021. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Lomatium+californicum.- “Lomatium californicum.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed October 18, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=LOCA3.
