Photo: James H. ThomasCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Lomatium Plant Care
Lomatium brandegeei J.F.Macbr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily distinguished by its delicate, feathery leaves that form an intricate pattern. Originating from the western United States, Lomatium brandegeei is sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and its ability to thrive in arid climates. Its striking appearance and adaptability make it a valuable addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Lomatium?
Water Lomatium every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Lomatium Native To?
What Is the Lomatium?
Lomatium (Lomatium brandegeei) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Lomatium genus. Lomatium is native to the mountains of Washington and southern British Columbia. Lomatium is also known as Brandegee's desertparsley.
Lomatium displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Lomatium produces small clusters of yellow flowers in umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lomatium?
Lomatium brandegeei requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Lomatium Need?
Lomatium thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lomatium Prefer?
Lomatium brandegeei grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Lomatium prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lomatium?
Well-draining sandy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Lomatium to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lomatium?
Feed Lomatium every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Lomatium?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Lomatium?
Lomatium can be propagated through seeds, division of roots. Similar propagation techniques also apply to geyer's biscuitroot plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Lomatium Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lomatium, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Lomatium?
Lomatium is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Lomatium Need?
Lomatium grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Lomatium is native to the mountains of Washington and southern British Columbia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Lomatium is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lomatium genus (family Apiaceae) — search all Lomatium species in the plant lookup.
Lomatium thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Lomatium Species
Other Lomatium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lomatium brandegeei J.F.Macbr., family Apiaceae (first published in Contr. Gray Herb. 56: 35 (1918)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lomatium, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: James H. Thomas, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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