Fernleaf Biscuitroot, Carrotleaf biscuitroot

Lomatium dissectum

Physical Characteristics

Lomatium dissectum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.4 m (4ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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 - southwards from Alberta and British Columbia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Seed Edible Uses: Root - cooked[105, 177, 183, 257]. Resinous and balsamic[207]. The root can be dried and ground into a powder and then be mixed with cereal flours or added as a flavouring to soups etc. The roots have been boiled to make a refreshing and nutritious drink[257]. Young seed sprouts - raw[105, 177, 257]. Seed[106, 257]. No more details are given, though it is most likely used as an aromatic flavouring in cooked foods[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antidandruff Disinfectant Ophthalmic Pectoral Poultice Salve Stomachic Tonic Fernleaf biscuitroot was widely employed medicinally by many native North American Indian tribes who considered it to be a universal panacea and used it especially in treating chest problems and skin complaints[207, 257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism, but probably warrants investigation. The whole plant, but especially the root, is disinfectant, pectoral, salve, stomachic and tonic[257]. The dried root was used in the treatment of rheumatism, stomach complaints, coughs, colds, hay fever, bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia and tuberculosis[207, 257]. The root was burnt and the smoke inhaled in the treatment of asthma and other chest complaints[257], it was also used as a herbal steam bath for treating chest complaints[257]. The root was used to make a drink that was taken as a tonic to help people in a weakened condition gain weight[257]. A poultice of the peeled and crushed roots has been applied to open cuts, sores, boils, bruises and rheumatic joints[257]. The root has been soaked in water and then used as an antidandruff wash for the hair[257]. An infusion of the leaves and stems has been used as a tonic[257]. The root oil has been applied as a salve to sores and also used as an eye wash in the treatment of trachoma[257]. Some people may experience a one-time uncomfortable detox rash (please research more on this plant before taking it).

Known Hazards

Some people may experience a one-time detox rash.