Lomatium cous aka Cous Biscuitroot

Lomatium cous is a small plant in the carrot family, Apiaceae. It is a perennial, which means it lives for years. Common names include cous biscuitroot, biscuitroot, and desert parsley. Kew places its native range in west-central Canada and the United States. Its US range spans the northwest and west-central states. Plants For A Future lists five states within this range. These are Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. It grows in temperate regions. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant forms small clumps that spread little to the sides. Plants For A Future gives its height and width as about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres]. In the wild, it grows on dry, open slopes and rocky flats. It often grows among sagebrush in foothills and lowlands. Some plants grow above the treeline, too. The sources give no details about leaves or stems. They give no flower colour, bloom dates, or fruit details. 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.

Plants For A Future suggests sun and soil that drains well. It lists sand, loam, and clay as suitable soils. The soil may be slightly acid, neutral, or slightly alkaline. The plant accepts dry or moist soil but cannot grow in shade. The source lists USDA zones 5–12 but notes limited knowledge of growing it. Whether it can survive outdoors in Britain remains unclear. Its small size suits garden beds that meet its drainage needs. The evidence names no specific pests or diseases.

People can eat the roots raw or cooked. They usually peel them first. Roots dug in spring have a taste compared with parsnip. People can grind dried roots and mix them with cereal flour. This powder can also add flavour to soups. The source lists seeds as edible but gives little detail on their use. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. This does not prove safety for pets or all people. The source lists no known uses as medicine.

Sow fresh seed when ripe, either outdoors or in a cold frame. Stored seed may take at least a year after spring sowing. Cold treatment may shorten the wait. Move seedlings to separate pots when they are large enough. Plants For A Future suggests planting them out in summer. It also suggests that spring or autumn division may work. This means splitting the plant to make new plants.