Herb: Nineleaf Biscuitroot


Latin name: Lomatium triternatum


Synonyms: Lomatium platycarpum


Family: Umbelliferae



Medicinal use of Nineleaf Biscuitroot:

An infusion of the leaves and roots has been used in the treatment of chest complaints. An infusion of the flowers and upper leaves has been used in the treatment of colds and sore throats.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
75 cm
(2 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Open slopes and meadows in dry to fairly moist soil at low to moderate elevations.

Edible parts of Nineleaf Biscuitroot:

Root - raw or cooked. About the size of peanuts, the roots were a staple food of the local native North American Indian tribes. When roasted it makes an excellent vegetable. It can also be dried and ground into a powder, when it develops a mild sweet flavour. The dried flowers and upper leaves are used as a flavouring in soups and stews.

Other uses of the herb:

The seed is aromatic and is used as a scent.

Propagation of Nineleaf Biscuitroot:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed can be rather slow to germinate, when sown in the spring it usually takes at least 12 months to germinate. Giving it a period of cold stratification might reduce this time. The seedlings need to be pricked out into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle, and should be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer. Fresh seed can be sown immediately in situ. Division may be possible in spring or autumn.

Cultivation of the herb:

Open slopes and meadows in dry to fairly moist soil at low to moderate elevations.

Known hazards of Lomatium triternatum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.