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Description
Lomatium Triternatum, commonly known as nineleaf biscuitroot, is a perennial plant species native to North America. It belongs to the Apiaceae family and is a widely distributed plant across western North America. It is known for its medicinal properties and has been used by Native Americans for treating various ailments such as cough, fever, and sore throat. The plant grows up to 20-80 cm tall and has a deep taproot that can reach up to 3 meters in length. It produces small yellow flowers that bloom in early spring, followed by fruit that has a distinct aroma and is edible.
Taxonomic Information
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Spermatophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Lomatium
Appearance
The leaves of Lomatium Triternatum are divided into three leaflets, with each leaflet further divided into three smaller leaflets, giving it the name “nineleaf.” The leaves are green, and the plant produces small yellow flowers that bloom in early spring. The fruit of the plant is a dry, oval-shaped structure that is around 1 cm long and has a distinct aroma. The plant has a deep taproot that can reach up to 3 meters in length, making it drought-tolerant.
Care Guide
Lomatium Triternatum is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are the following care tips:
- Water: The plant requires moderate watering and should be watered once a week.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied once a year in early spring.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil and can grow in sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Lomatium Triternatum can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lomatium Triternatum is not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, here are some potential issues:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes circular spots on the leaves, which can lead to leaf drop.
- Root rot: Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, leading to the death of the plant.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause discoloration and webbing on the leaves.
Habitat
Lomatium Triternatum is commonly found in dry, open areas such as sagebrush flats, foothills, and open forests. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in harsh environments. It is found in western North America, from British Columbia to California, and from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lomatium Triternatum poisonous?
A: No, Lomatium Triternatum is not poisonous. In fact, the plant has been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans.
Q: Can Lomatium Triternatum be grown indoors?
A: No, Lomatium Triternatum is an outdoor plant that requires full sunlight and well-draining soil.
Q: Can Lomatium Triternatum be used as a food source?
A: Yes, the fruit of Lomatium Triternatum is edible and has a distinct aroma.
Q: How often should Lomatium Triternatum be fertilized?
A: Lomatium Triternatum does not require frequent fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied once a year in early spring.
Related Plants
- Lomatium Grayi
- Lomatium Dissectum
- Lomatium Utriculatum
- Lomatium Dasycarpum
- Lomatium Geyeri
References
- “Lomatium Triternatum.” USDA Plants Database, https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LOTR. Accessed 8 May 2021.
- “Lomatium Triternatum.” Montana Field Guide, Montana Natural Heritage Program and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, http://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=PDAPI0Z040. Accessed 8 May 2021.
- “Nineleaf Biscuitroot.” Washington Native Plant Society, https://www.wnps.org/plants/lomatium-triternatum. Accessed 8 May 2021.
