Biscuitroot
Lomatium cous
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Pl. CEFD — Lomatium cous
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IOverview
Overview
Biscuitroot (Lomatium cous) is a perennial herb found in the wild across North America, from Alberta and Saskatchewan to South Dakota and Utah. Known for its edible roots and seeds, this plant thrives in various habitats including dry and moist soils, preferring light to medium soil types with a pH range of 6 to 8.5. It can grow up to 0.1 meters tall and is commonly found in full sun conditions. Native to Alberta, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, this plant stands out for its distinctive light green foliage and small white or pink flowers that bloom in spring, making it a notable ornamental addition to wildflower gardens.
Quick answers
What is Biscuitroot?
Biscuitroot (Lomatium cous) is a perennial herb found in the wild across North America, from Alberta and Saskatchewan to South Dakota and Utah. Known for its edible roots and seeds, this plant thrives in various habitats including dry and moist soils, preferring light to medium soil types with a pH range of 6 to 8.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Biscuitroot thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soils of medium to heavy texture with a pH between 6 and 8.5. It is drought-tolerant but will also grow in moist conditions. This perennial plant can be propagated by seed or division, though seeds are more commonly used. Biscuitroot is hardy in zones 5-12, making it adaptable to various temperate regions. Ensure the soil is light and well-drained for best results, as it dislikes overly wet environments. Regular watering during dry spells will help maintain its health.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-12
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
Soil pH
6–8.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Biscuitroot for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing Biscuitroot.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, potting soil, containers or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the ground is not frozen.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 8.5, ensuring it's light, medium, or heavy as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination. Provide light shade if direct sunlight is too intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water sparingly, especially once established. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves in late winter before new growth begins to maintain plant health.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:RootSeed
Edible uses: The biscuitroot's root and seeds are edible. The roots can be eaten raw or cooked, while the seeds are often dried for later use. Both parts are typically prepared in simple dishes without complex recipes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 11 native
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, Washington
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · cefd25e4-ee90-4bb3-a3b0-2d93e2c4f610
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