Biscuitroot

Lomatium gayeri

Physical Characteristics

Lomatium gayeri is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). 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 - Washington and British Columbia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Seed Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[207, 257]. A celery flavour[207]. It can be dried and ground into a powder and then be mixed with cereal flours or added to soups etc[95, 105, 161]. The flour can also be mixed with water, flattened into cakes and sun-dried or baked. Used on journeys, the taste is somewhat like stale biscuits[207]. Seed[106]. No more details are given, though it is most likely used as an aromatic flavouring in cooked foods[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known