Lomatium dissectum (Fernleaf Biscuitroot)

Lomatium dissectum (Fernleaf Biscuitroot) is a long-lived perennial with ascending, hollow stems and aromatic, fern-like, pinnately or ternate-pinnately dissected leaves. In early to mid-summer, flowers are produced in large compound umbels packed with up to 50-200 small, greenish-yellow blossoms. They are followed by flattened, oblong to oval, dry two-seeded fruits. A single umbel can produce hundreds of seeds. Fernleaf Biscuitroot is a food source for a variety of wildlife from bears to bees. It is crucial early season forage for many wildlife species and domestic grazers. Fernleaf Biscuitroot is important to many insects, including native bees, moths, and butterflies. Fernleaf Biscuitroot was and continues to be used for food, medicine, and ceremonies by Indigenous peoples of the western US and southwestern Canada. Noted for its conspicuous flowers, low water needs, and drought tolerance, Fernleaf Biscuitroot is a desirable plant for native plant gardens and low-maintenance landscaping situations.

• Grows up to 2-5 ft. tall (60-150 cm). 
• Performs best in full sun in dry, rocky to fine-textured, well-drained soils. Tolerates partial shade. Drought tolerant once established.
• Fernleaf Biscuitroot is a great candidate for cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, wildflower gardens, and naturalized areas.
• Propagate by seed. Provide an extremely long stratification. 
• Keep an eye out for beetles, moths, midges, leaf miner flies, aphids, and rust.
• Promptly remove the seed pods if self-seeding is not desired. Seedling growth is slow, and it takes 2 years for plants to reach transplant size and 2 or more years to flower.
• Native to the western United States and adjacent parts of southwestern Canada. Populations occur from British Columbia to Saskatchewan and south to New Mexico and California.