Lomatium ambiguum aka Wyeth's Biscuitroot

Lomatium ambiguum belongs to the carrot family, Apiaceae. It is a perennial, which means it lives for years. People call it biscuitroot or Wyeth biscuitroot. It comes from western Canada and the northwestern United States. It also grows in the west-central United States. Its range spans southern British Columbia, Idaho, and western Montana. It grows in parts of Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, and Utah too. It lives on open slopes and flats, up to moderate heights. The soil at these sites is often dry.

The plant grows to about 2.6 feet (0.8 metres) tall. Plants For A Future states that it flowers in June. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers. The plant is self-fertile: it can set seed with its own pollen. The accounts give no flower colour or fruit shape. They do not describe the leaf shape or stems. They record it growing in a garden bed.

Give this species sun and soil that drains well. Plants For A Future lists sand, loam, and clay as suitable soils. It lists mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils too. The plant can grow in dry or moist soil. But the source has little experience growing this species. It suggests moist soil that drains well for garden use. Its native range gives hope that it can withstand British cold. But no one has confirmed its hardiness there. This evidence gives no firm hardiness zone.

The roots and seeds have known food uses. Some Indigenous peoples of North America used the root as a staple food. People eat the roots raw or cooked. Fresh roots taste like parsnip, according to the account. Once the top dies back, roots turn brittle and taste of celery. Dried, ground roots can add flavour to soups and other foods. People eat seeds raw or grind them to add flavour. Flowers and upper leaves can season salads and soups. People have used an infusion, or tea, of these parts for colds and sore throats. This past use does not prove that it helps. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards.

Sow fresh seed straight into its final growing site. Or sow ripe seed in a cold frame. Stored seed sown in spring may need at least a year to sprout. A cold treatment may cut that wait. Move seedlings to their own pots when large enough to handle. The source suggests planting them out in summer. You may also be able to divide plants in spring or autumn.