Description
Nineleaf biscuitroot inhabits oak woodland, open slopes, ridges, chaparral, grasslands, and openings in coniferous forests from the valley bottom to mid-elevations in the mountains. Depending on elevation, nineleaf biscuitroot blooms in late spring to early summer in the Klamath-Siskiyou region. Nineleaf biscuitroot is a perennial plant that grows in early spring and goes dormant in mid-summer. The seeds ripen in July and August. With its long taproot, nineleaf biscuitroot is well adapted to rocky and well-drained soils. The taproot can extend several feet into the ground, making the plant resilient to drought, wildfire, and other natural disturbances. The umbel flower is a cheerful bright yellow that is pleasing against the highly dissected leaves that emerge from the lower part of the stem, Nineleaf biscuitroot is a larval host plant for the anise swallowtail butterfly and the flowers are favored by native bees. Grows from 2′-3′ tall, in sun or part-shade. As the name implies, nineleaf biscuitroot has an edible root that was highly prized by Native American tribes that ate the root raw, cooked, or ground into flour, and it is still enjoyed today. The root is also a highly effective medicinal plant that is commercially available in tincture form by several herbal medicine companies.
Nineleaf biscuitroot (Lomatium triternatum) seed packets contain approximately 50 seeds per packet.
Seed Germination Instructions
60-90 days cold-moist stratification. Sow outside in fall to late winter.
