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Description
Lomatium Columbianum, also known as Columbia biscuitroot, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to western North America, particularly to the Pacific Northwest region. This plant can grow up to 1 meter in height, with a thick taproot that can reach up to 1.5 meters deep.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Lomatium |
Appearance
Lomatium Columbianum has a basal rosette of leaves that are pinnately divided into narrow, lance-shaped segments. The stems are hairy and can be either green or reddish-brown. The flowers are small and white, arranged in umbels that can measure up to 15 centimeters in diameter. The fruits are oblong and flattened, with a length of about 5 millimeters.
Care Guide
Lomatium Columbianum is a low-maintenance plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for its care:
Water: This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require much watering. However, it is important to keep the soil moist during its growing season.
Fertilization: Lomatium Columbianum does not require fertilizer.
Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey.
Sunlight: Lomatium Columbianum prefers full sun, but it can also grow in partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lomatium Columbianum is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it can be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. It can also be attacked by aphids and spider mites.
Habitat
Lomatium Columbianum is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, where it can be found in dry, open areas such as grasslands, sagebrush steppe, and ponderosa pine forests. It can also grow in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lomatium Columbianum edible?
A: Yes, the roots of Lomatium Columbianum were traditionally used as a food source by Native American tribes. However, the roots should be harvested with caution and only from sustainable sources.
Q: Can Lomatium Columbianum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lomatium Columbianum can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its taproot.
Q: Does Lomatium Columbianum have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, Lomatium Columbianum has been traditionally used by Native American tribes to treat respiratory infections and other ailments. However, its medicinal properties have not been extensively studied.
Q: Is Lomatium Columbianum an endangered species?
A: Lomatium Columbianum is not currently listed as an endangered species, but it is considered to be a sensitive species due to its limited distribution and habitat requirements.
Related Plants
- Lomatium bradshawii
- Lomatium dasycarpum
- Lomatium dissectum
- Lomatium nudicaule
- Lomatium triternatum
References
- Burrill, L. C. (2017). Lomatium columbianum. Fire Effects Information System. Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/lomcol/all.html
- Griffiths, M. (2008). Index of Garden Plants (2nd ed.). Portland, OR: Timber Press.
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Lomatium columbianum. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LOCO8
