Biscuitroot, Wyeth biscuitroot

Lomatium ambiguum

Physical Characteristics

Lomatium ambiguum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). It is in flower in June. 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.

Distribution

Western N. America - British Columbia and Washington to Montana..

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Seed Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[2]. A staple food for some native North American Indian tribes[257]. The fresh root is rather like parsnip in flavour, though when the plant dies down the root becomes brittle with an agreeable flavour of celery[2, 95]. The root can also be dried and ground into a powder for use as a flavouring in soups etc[61, 95, 105, 161]. Seed - ground into a powder or eaten raw[106]. An aromatic flavour, it can be used as a flavouring in cooked foods. Flowers and upper leaves can be used as a flavouring in salads, soups etc[257].

Medicinal Uses

An infusion of the flowers and upper leaves has been used in the treatment of colds and sore throats[257].

Known Hazards

None known