Pestle Parsnip, Barestem biscuitroot

Lomatium nudicaule

Physical Characteristics

Lomatium nudicaule is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). 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 - South British Columbia to California.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Tea Root - raw or cooked[207]. The taste is rather like a hot spicy parsnip[207]. The root can be roasted and used as a vegetable, or can be dried and ground into a powder then used as a flavouring in soups etc[105, 161]. Leaves and young shoots - eaten as a vegetable or used as a celery-like flavouring in soups etc[177, 183, 257]. The leaves, stems and flowers are infused and used as a beverage[161, 183, 257]. Seed - raw or cooked[257]. The immature seed is chewed as a refreshing snack and can be used as a flavouring in soups etc[257]. The vitamin C content of young plants is remarkably high, one cup providing more than the recommended daily allowance[183]. (the part of the plant is not referred to, it is probably the leaves)

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Diaphoretic Febrifuge Laxative Pectoral Poultice Vitamin C The seeds are analgesic, diaphoretic, febrifuge, laxative and pectoral[257]. They have been chewed in the treatment of fevers, colds and sore throats[257]. An infusion has been used by pregnant women to ensure an easy delivery[257]. A poultice of the crushed seeds has been applied to the head to relieve the pain of headaches[257]. The poultice has also been applied to sore places, pains and itches[257].

Known Hazards

None known