Lomatium dissectum aka Lomatium

Lomatium dissectum is a perennial, a plant that lives for years. It belongs to the carrot family, Apiaceae. Its names include fernleaf biscuitroot, carrotleaf biscuitroot, and cough root. Kew gives its native range as southwestern Canada to northern California. That range takes in southern Vancouver Island. PFAF gives a much wider range across western North America. The two sources thus differ on its full range. It grows in temperate regions, but is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant grows about 4.6 feet (1.4 metres) tall. It grows on open, rocky slopes and in dry meadows. It also grows among loose rocks on slopes. These sites suggest a place in open, sunny beds. The sources give no clear facts about leaf shape. They do not describe the stems, flowers, or fruit. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers, moving pollen between them. The plant can also use its own pollen to form seeds.

PFAF calls for sun and soil that drains well. It lists sand, loam, and clay as suitable soils. The soil may be mildly acid to mildly alkaline. The plant accepts dry or moist soil but cannot grow in shade. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 6–10. Yet its notes say no one knows its British hardiness for sure. The notes also stress how little we know about growing it. Treat its garden needs as a guide, not well-tested rules.

PFAF records several ways people use the plant for food. People cook the root or dry and grind it. They mix the powder with flour or add it to soup. People have also made a drink from boiled roots. They eat young seed sprouts raw, and records note food uses for seeds. PFAF lists leaves as food but gives no details on their use. Some people get a rash after using the plant. These food records do not show it is safe for everyone.

Native peoples of North America used this plant in their healing traditions. Records note uses for chest, skin, and stomach complaints. These accounts do not prove that it treats disease. People also burned ground root as incense. To grow new plants, PFAF favours sowing fresh seed when ripe. Stored seed may take a year or longer to sprout. A cold spell may shorten that wait. PFAF reports no risk of it becoming a weed. The sources name no specific pests or diseases.