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Description
Lomatium orientale, also known as oriental desert-parsley, is a species of flowering plant in the Apiaceae family. It is native to Asia, specifically Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. This herbaceous perennial grows up to 50 cm tall and has a taproot that is edible and used in traditional medicine. Its leaves are divided into narrow lobes, and its flowers are small and yellowish-green, arranged in umbels.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Lomatium |
Appearance
Lomatium orientale has narrow, divided leaves that are a bluish-green color. The leaves can grow up to 15 cm long and are arranged in a basal rosette. The stem is hairy and can grow up to 50 cm tall. The flowers are small and yellowish-green, arranged in umbels that can grow up to 6 cm in diameter. The fruit is a schizocarp that splits into two halves, each containing a single seed.
Care Guide
Lomatium orientale prefers well-drained soil with medium moisture. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, following the instructions on the package. Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lomatium orientale is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and root rot if grown in poorly-drained soil. To prevent these issues, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Lomatium orientale is native to the arid regions of Asia, specifically Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. It grows in rocky, well-drained soil and is commonly found on slopes and hillsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Lomatium orientale be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lomatium orientale can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s taproot.
Q: Is Lomatium orientale deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Lomatium orientale is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Lomatium orientale be used in cooking?
A: Yes, the taproot of Lomatium orientale is edible and has been used in traditional medicine and cooking.
Q: Does Lomatium orientale attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Lomatium orientale attracts bees and other pollinators with its small, yellowish-green flowers.
Related Plants
- Lomatium dissectum
- Lomatium grayi
- Lomatium triternatum
- Lomatium utriculatum
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Lomatium orientale. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=LOOR2
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Lomatium orientale. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c770
- Encyclopedia of Life. (n.d.). Lomatium orientale. Retrieved from https://eol.org/pages/5832617
