Fernleaf Biscuitroot (Lomatium dissectum) is a beautiful and highly useful long-lived perennial. PInnately dissected foliage forms a showy and feathery mound that will be topped with attractive yellow umbels in late spring or early summer. These blossoms will eventually fade to an attractive rust color and give way to a copious amount of seeds. Umbels can be removed in areas where self-seeding is not desired. Fernleaf biscuitroot is a very important wildlife plant. It is a wonderful early forage plant for animals, hosts multiple caterpillar species, and attracts many native bees and predatory insects. Fernleaf Biscuitroot also has an important history as an edible and medicinal plant. It was one of the most highly used plant species in indiginous cultures for food, medicine, and ceremonial puporses. The root can be eat cooked or ground into a flour and will have an earthy and spicy flavor. The young leaves and shoots can be eaten raw or cooked and have a taste resembling parsley. The seeds and highly spicy and aromatic and can be gathered and used similar to Caraway. However, it should be noted that other Lomatiums are more commonly known for their edible uses, while Fernleaf shines for its use as a medicine. The same oils that give the roots their spice have been shown to be antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal while not harming beneficial bacteria and can be valuable for respiratory ailments. Use an attractive addition to naturalistic priaire and meadow plantings, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, medicinal gardens, herb gardens, or fruit tree guilds. Fernleaf Biscuitroot is slow to grow and establish, but worth the wait. They will not flower until at least their second year. 
***Fernleaf Biscuitroot can resemble Poison Hemlock in the wild. Always confirm the plant identification before harvesting or consuming***
***Some individuals can develop a harmless, but uncomfortable full body rash from consuming Fernleaf Biscuitroot (often in higher doses of tincture form). As with all other edible and medicinal plants, please do your research before consuming and use at your own risk.*** 
Photo Credit: Thayne Tuason
 
Each seed packet contains 0.5 grams, or approximately 50 seeds.