Lomatium utriculatum aka Common Lomatium

Lomatium utriculatum, or common lomatium, belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is a perennial: it lives for more than two years. Its home range spans western Canada to northern California. Records list it in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. It grows in prairies and other open sites west of the Cascades. The ground at these sites is often rocky. Kew places it in the temperate biome, a mild climate zone. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The sources give no height or spread for full-grown plants. They give no details of leaves, stems, flowers, or fruit. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects move pollen between flowers. The plant can also use its own pollen to form seeds. The sources do not say when it blooms.

PFAF lists this plant for sunny beds that drain well. It accepts sand, loam, and clay if water drains away. It copes with soils from slightly acid to slightly alkaline. The soil may be dry or moist. Shade does not suit it. These needs are not yet firm, as PFAF has little experience growing it. No one has confirmed that it can survive British winters. Based on its home range, PFAF suggests it may grow outdoors across much of Britain. The source gives no firm hardiness zone.

You can grow new plants from seed. PFAF says to sow fresh seed in a cold frame once ripe. You may also sow fresh seed straight into its final site. Stored seed can take at least a year after spring sowing. A spell of cold treatment may cut that wait. Move young plants into their own pots once large enough to handle. PFAF suggests planting them out in summer. You may be able to divide plants in spring or autumn. This is not certain.

PFAF lists roots, young leaves, and shoots as parts to eat. You may eat roots raw, cooked, roasted, or dried and milled. You may eat young leaves and shoots raw or cooked as greens. Past uses include root mixes for headaches and stomach complaints. People have also used plant washes on swollen or broken limbs. These past uses do not prove that the plant has medical benefits. PFAF lists no known hazards. This does not mean the plant is safe for people or pets. The supplied sources name no pests or diseases.