Bigseed Biscuitroot

Lomatium macrocarpum

Physical Characteristics

Lomatium macrocarpum 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 - British Columbia to California.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Seed Edible Uses: Tea Root - raw or cooked[257]. A staple food for a number of native North American Indian tribes[257]. The root is usually peeled before being cooked or eaten[257]. It can be dried and ground into a powder and then used to make cakes etc[105, 161, 183]. Seed - raw or cooked. Very nutritious, they can also be ground into a powder[183] and then used with cereal flours when making bread, cakes etc, or be used as a flavouring in soups etc[257]. The seed is very small, but quite easy to harvest[183, K]. A tea can be made from the leaves, stems and flowers[183].

Medicinal Uses

Infertility Pectoral Poultice Sedative Tonic An infusion of the roots has been used as a general strengthener for a weakened patient[257]. The infusion is also used as a treatment for colds, influenza and bronchitis[257]. The root has been chewed and the juice swallowed as a treatment for sore throats[257]. The root has been eaten by childless couples, especially older people, in order to help them conceive[257]. A poultice made from the boiled root has been used to treat swellings[257]. The leaves have been used as a padding in a child's cradle to encourage it to sleep more[257].

Known Hazards

None known