Bigseed Lomatium

(Lomatium macrocarpum)

Bigseed Lomatium (Lomatium macrocarpum)

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Climate Requirements

Precipitation 11" - 60"
High Temp. 75°F - 90°F
Low Temp. 15°F - 34°F

Summary

Lomatium macrocarpum, commonly known as bigseed lomatium, is a perennial herb that is native to the sagebrush steppe and grasslands of the western United States and Canada, particularly in the Great Basin and surrounding areas. It can also be found in rocky outcrops and dry slopes. This plant typically grows up to 20 inches tall and features hairy, gray-green foliage with intricately divided leaves that give it a delicate, fern-like appearance. During its flowering season in spring, bigseed lomatium produces an inflorescence that is an umbel of small flowers, which can vary in color from yellowish to greenish, purplish, or white, depending on the specific environment and subspecies. The flowers are followed by distinctive winged, round or oval fruit that can be up to 1 inch long.

Bigseed lomatium is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It is also of historical interest due to its edible tuberous roots, which were ground into flour by Native Americans. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance once established, needing only full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. While not commonly used in ornamental horticulture, it can be an interesting addition to rock gardens or naturalized areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-2 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to the sagebrush steppe and grasslands of the western United States, particularly in the Great Basin and surrounding areas

Other Names

Common Names: Biscuit Root, Largefruit Desert Parsley, Bigseed Lomatium, Largefruit Biscuitroot, Long Mamma, Large-Fruit Lomatium

Scientific Names: Lomatium macrocarpum, Cogswellia artemisiarum, Cogswellia elliptica, Cogswellia macrocarpa, Cogswellia macrocarpa var. artemisiarum, Ferula macrocarpa, Lomatium artemisiarum, Lomatium artemisiarum, Lomatium ellipticum, Lomatium macrocarpum var. artemisianum

GBIF Accepted Name: Lomatium macrocarpum