Nineleaf Biscuitroot Seeds (Lomatium triternatum)

Nineleaf biscuitroot possesses a fantastically pleasing form. Structurally it’s comprised of super-attractive slender compound leaflets which look almost like blades of grass aligned in rows on slender stalks. The effect is mesmerizing on smaller plants, and very dramatic on more mature ones that develop into mounding, almost shrub-like forms usually a bit less than 3-feet in height.

Emerging from the center of this long-lived perennial, yellow flower umbels appear from April through June, attracting small spring-emerging mining bees (Andrena and Micandrena spp.).  

Like other members of the Lomatium genus, this fine carrot family member produces starchy, edible tap roots – and is a larval host plant for the anise swallowtail and Indra swallowtail butterflies (Papilio zelicaon and P. indra).

Nineleaf biscuitroot is widespread across western North America, from the Pacific Coast to the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, and from British Columbia southward to New Mexico. It is at home on dry, even rocky, soils in full sun to the partial shade of oak savannas. 

It combines excellently in natural areas or the home garden with various upland lupines, roundleaf alumroot, tall cinquefoil, and various balsamroots. 

50+ seeds (0.5 grams).