Lomatium triternatum

Common Names

Nineleaf Biscuitroot, Lewis's Lomatium, Ternate Lomatium, Nineleaf Lomatium, Narrowleaf Desert-Parsley

Summary

Nineleaf Biscuitroot is a perennial herb native to western North America, with a long taproot and slender stems reaching about 15–80 cm tall. Basal and cauline leaves are ternately dissected into 9–21 leaflets, and yellow flowers appear in umbrella-like umbels; a celery-like scent is sometimes noted.

Propagation is by seed, best sown when ripe in a cold frame; stored seed germinates slowly and long stratification is required for reliable germination; direct sowing in situ is possible. It favors sunny, well-drained soils and cannot grow in shade, with irrigation markedly increasing seed yields. Edible roots can be eaten raw or cooked, and historic uses include medicinal infusions from leaves and roots; in landscape and restoration, it provides early forage for wildlife, supports pollinators, and suits sagebrush habitats and other dry-to-fairly moist plantings; drought-, grazing-, and fire-tolerant.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2.5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, neutral to mildly alkaline pH (about 6.5–8.8), tolerates sandy, loamy, and clay textures including dry, rocky soils

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils (dry to moist)

Soil pH

6.5–8.8 pH (relatively neutral)

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green to Gray

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators