Wyeth Biscuitroot (Lomatium ambiguum)

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Lomatium ambiguum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, though when the plant dies down the root becomes brittle with an agreeable flavour of celery. — Root - raw or cooked.; A staple food for some native North American Indian tribes.; The fresh root is rather like parsnip in flavour, though when the plant dies down the root becomes brittle with an agreeable flavour of celery.; The root can also be dried and ground into a powder for use as a flavouring in soups etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Open slopes and flat land up to moderate elevations. Usually on dry soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)