Family: Apiaceae
Author: (Pursh) J.M.Coult. & Rose
Bibliography: Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 7: 227 (1900)
Year: 1900
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lomatium
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Canada to W. U.S.A.
Description
Nineleaf biscuitroot, known scientifically as Lomatium triternatum, is a member of the Apiaceae family. This notable plant has a rich history and a broad geographical range, extending from Western Canada to the Western United States.
Characterized by its distinctive nine-lobed leaves, Nineleaf biscuitroot thrives in varied habitats including grasslands, open forests, and rocky areas. It is a perennial herb that showcases a robust, branching stem structure, often laden with clusters of small, yellow flowers. These blooms typically appear from late spring to early summer, adding vibrant hues to its natural surroundings.
The historical significance of Nineleaf biscuitroot is well-documented, with its first substantial description contributed to the U.S. National Herbarium in 1900 by botanists Pursh, J.M. Coult., and Rose. This documentation highlights its botanical importance and provides a foundational understanding of its characteristics and distribution.
Beyond its ecological role, Nineleaf biscuitroot has also been traditionally valued in various Indigenous cultures for its edible roots, which were commonly dried and ground into flour to make a variety of foods, hence the name “biscuitroot.” This underscores not only its practical uses but also its integral part in the cultural heritage of these communities.
Modern botanists and plant enthusiasts continue to study and appreciate Nineleaf biscuitroot for its resilience and ecological contributions. Its presence across a wide spectrum of Western North America signifies its adaptability and enduring nature, making it a subject of interest for ecological studies related to habitat preservation and plant biology.
In summary, Nineleaf biscuitroot (Lomatium triternatum) is a fascinating plant with a significant botanical and cultural heritage, whose occurrence from Western Canada to the Western United States offers a living testament to its adaptability and enduring presence in North American flora.
Common Names
Eng: nineleaf biscuitroot, ternate lomatium, nine-leaved desert-parsley, nine-leaved biscuitroot, nine-leaved lomatium, ternate desert-parsley
Fra: lomatium terné
En: Nineleaf biscuitroot, Ternate Desert-parsley, Ternate lomatium, Nine-leaved desert-parsley, Nine-leaved biscuitroot, Nine-leaved lomatium
Fr: Lomatium terné
Synonyms
- Cogswellia triternata ((Pursh) M.E.Jones)
- Seseli triternatum (Pursh)
- Eulophus triternatus ((Pursh) Nutt.)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Walter Siegmund (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2014 by EOL − juniperus_scopulorum (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Walter Siegmund (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Walter Siegmund (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2022 by kariehil (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken May 27, 2014 by EOL − juniperus_scopulorum (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 27, 2014 by EOL − juniperus_scopulorum (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 27, 2014 by EOL − juniperus_scopulorum (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 27, 2014 by EOL − juniperus_scopulorum (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 1, 2021 by Elizabeth Schueman (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2014 by EOL − juniperus_scopulorum (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2014 by EOL − juniperus_scopulorum (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Walter Siegmund (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1177167-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3034264)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) J.M. Coult. & Rose)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Crown
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.8
Ph minimum: 6.5
