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Description
Lomatium Macrocarpum, commonly known as Biscuitroot, is a perennial plant native to western North America, including California. It is a member of the Apiaceae family and is characterized by its umbel-shaped flowers and distinctive, aromatic roots. The plant can reach up to 1 meter in height and has a taproot that can grow up to 50 cm long. Lomatium Macrocarpum is known for its medicinal properties, with the root being used traditionally by Native Americans to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Lomatium |
| Species | Macrocarpum |
Appearance
Lomatium Macrocarpum has finely divided, fern-like leaves that grow up to 30 cm long. The plant produces numerous small, yellow flowers arranged in an umbel-shaped inflorescence that can reach up to 30 cm in diameter. The flowers are followed by large, flattened, oval-shaped seeds that are about 1 cm long. The plant has a taproot that is thick and aromatic, with a scent that has been described as similar to that of celery.
Care Guide
Lomatium Macrocarpum is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here’s a brief guide to caring for this California native plant:- Water: The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive on natural rainfall alone, but it benefits from occasional watering during the summer months.- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but a light application of compost or organic fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil and can grow in sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Lomatium Macrocarpum is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lomatium Macrocarpum is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly-drained soil. Insects such as aphids and spider mites may occasionally infest the plant, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Lomatium Macrocarpum is native to western North America, including California, where it can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, chaparral, and open woodlands. The plant is adapted to a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lomatium Macrocarpum a good plant for a xeriscape garden?
A: Yes, Lomatium Macrocarpum is a great plant for a xeriscape garden as it is drought-tolerant and requires little watering.
Q: Can Lomatium Macrocarpum be grown in containers?
A: While Lomatium Macrocarpum can be grown in containers, it is not an ideal choice as the plant has a taproot that requires deep soil to grow.
Q: Can Lomatium Macrocarpum be propagated from seed?
A: Yes, Lomatium Macrocarpum can be propagated from seed. Seeds should be planted in the fall or winter, and will germinate in the spring.
Q: Is Lomatium Macrocarpum toxic?
A: Lomatium Macrocarpum is not known to be toxic, but the roots should only be used medicinally under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Related Plants
– Lomatium dasycarpum (Biscuitroot)- Lomatium utriculatum (Spring Gold)- Lomatium grayi (Gray’s Biscuitroot)- Lomatium dissectum (Fernleaf Biscuitroot)
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Lomatium macrocarpum. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=LOMA7- California Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Lomatium macrocarpum. Retrieved from https://www.cnps.org/gardening/plant-profiles/lomatium-macrocarpum
