Lomatium parryi

Lomatium parryi

Lomatium parryi is a species of flowering plant in the Apiaceae family, commonly known as Parry's biscuitroot or Parry's desert parsley. It is native to the southwestern United States, particularly in the states of Arizona, Nevada, and California.

Description

Lomatium parryi is a perennial herb that grows up to 30 centimeters tall. It has a thick taproot and a branching stem that is often covered in fine hairs. The leaves are divided into many small, narrow segments and are typically 10-30 centimeters long. The flowers are yellow and arranged in an umbel, a type of inflorescence characteristic of the Apiaceae family. The fruit is a small, oval-shaped schizocarp that splits into two seeds when mature.

Habitat and Distribution

Lomatium parryi is found in a variety of habitats, including desert scrub, pinyon-juniper woodland, and montane forests. It is most commonly found at elevations between 1000 and 2500 meters. The plant is adapted to dry conditions and is often found in rocky or sandy soils.

Uses

The roots of Lomatium parryi have been used by Native American tribes for food and medicine. The Paiute and Shoshone tribes are known to have used the roots as a food source, often cooking them in a pit or grinding them into a flour. Medicinally, the roots have been used as a treatment for colds, coughs, and other respiratory ailments.

Conservation Status

Lomatium parryi is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, its habitat is being impacted by land use changes, including development and agriculture, which could potentially threaten the species in the future.

References

• Flora of North America (2003). Lomatium parryi. New York: Oxford University Press.
• USDA Plants Database (2021). Lomatium parryi. United States Department of Agriculture.

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