Nineleaf Biscuitroot, Broadnineleaf biscuitroot
Lomatium triternatum

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Lomatium triternatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.8

Where it is found

Open slopes and meadows in dry to fairly moist soil at low to moderate elevations.

Western N. America - Alberta to California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Root - raw or cooked. About the size of peanuts, the roots were a staple food of the local native North American Indian tribes. When roasted it makes an excellent vegetable. It can also be dried and ground into a powder, when it develops a mild sweet flavour. The dried flowers and upper leaves are used as a flavouring in soups and stews.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 1

An infusion of the leaves and roots has been used in the treatment of chest complaints. An infusion of the flowers and upper leaves has been used in the treatment of colds and sore throats.

Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.

Other

Rating:

The seed is aromatic and is used as a scent.

Incense: Aromatic plants that can be burnt to impart a pleasant smell, repel insects and disinfect closed areas.

How it is grown

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in much of the country. It can be assumed that plants will require a dry to moist but well-drained soil in a sunny position. This is a taxonomically very difficult genus, many of the species now included in it have at times been included in other genera.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed can be rather slow to germinate, when sown in the spring it usually takes at least 12 months to germinate. Giving it a period of cold stratification might reduce this time. The seedlings need to be pricked out into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle, and should be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer. Fresh seed can be sown immediately in situ. Division may be possible in spring or autumn.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. platycarpum. (Torr.)Coult.&Rose.