Shiny Biscuitroot

Lomatium lucidum

Native to:
Mexico, United States
Shiny Biscuitroot

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Apiaceae
Genus:
Lomatium
Species:
Lomatium lucidum
USDA Symbol:
LOLU

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Indra swallowtail (Papilio indra)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies, beneficial insects
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from taproot following fire; typical of Pacific Northwest prairie and oak savanna ecosystems.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to rocky slopes and ridges

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Cold stratification improves germination. Seeds may germinate erratically over several weeks.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI