Ternate desert-parsley

lomatium triternatum

Also known as: ["Ternate desert parsley","Desert parsley"]

Family: Apiaceae Genus: Lomatium Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to western North America, characterized by its fern-like leaves and small, yellow flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Lomatium
Botanical Name: Lomatium triternatum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, native plantings, or dry, sunny borders
  • Suitable For:
    Wildlife Supporters Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Sandy, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on tidiness rather than shaping.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in arid regions; ensure good air circulation.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or soil issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Avoid direct sun in hottest hours; rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth if needed.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water at the base, avoid wetting foliage, and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F); thrives in cooler climates.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; keep away from heat sources.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during growing season

Avoid overfertilizing; fertilize only during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Seed propagation is most reliable; division of mature clumps can also be done.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Sow seeds shallowly.
  2. Keep moist.
  3. Thin seedlings.
  4. Divide clumps in spring.
  5. Replant divisions.

Best Time: Spring or early fall when temperatures are mild.

Environment

Warm (60–70°F), bright indirect light, and consistent moisture for seeds; similar for divisions.

Medium

Well-draining seed starting mix or sandy loam.

Hormone

Not typically required for seeds; division may benefit from rooting hormone.

Timeline

Seeds may take 1–3 months to germinate; division establishes in 1–2 growing seasons.

Tools Needed

Seed trays, pots, trowel, sharp knife (for division).

Quick Tips

Sow seeds in fall for spring germination; divide only when clumps are overcrowded.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip dead leaves or stems at the base; avoid cutting into healthy growth.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain vigor.

Tools

Hand pruners or sharp scissors.

Checklist

Remove dead parts, sanitize tools, avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter if repotting is necessary.

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out circling roots; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or soil quality degrades.

Checklist

Check root health, use fresh soil, ensure drainage, avoid overpotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, reduce in winter.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water precisely to the soil around the base.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to match dormancy.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in extreme heat; yellowing or rot in cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause root damage in prolonged freezing conditions.

Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, growth may stall, or plant may enter early dormancy.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity; water deeply but infrequently.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer, apply during growth, avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize sparingly in spring and early summer only.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Lomatium triternatum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or disease, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential plant mortality.

Wilting in Lomatium triternatum is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can lead to reduced growth and eventual death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Lomatium triternatum may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthesis, defoliation, and weakened plant vigor.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can affect Lomatium triternatum, often caused by overwatering or fungal infections, leading to decay of root tissues and plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Lomatium triternatum is not considered toxic to cats. The plant has no known adverse effects on feline health when ingested or touched.

⚡ Toxic If:

Not applicable

As with any plant, ensure pets do not consume excessive amounts, but this species poses no known toxicity risk.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Lomatium triternatum is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects resulting from ingestion or contact with this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

Not applicable

Monitor pets for any unusual behavior after exposure, but the plant is not expected to cause harm.
Humans
Non-toxic

Lomatium triternatum is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, particularly by Native American tribes, without reports of significant toxicity.

⚡ Toxic If:

Not applicable

While generally safe, individuals with known allergies or sensitivities should exercise caution when handling or consuming any plant material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Lomatium triternatum edible?

A: Some parts of the plant have been used traditionally for food, but caution is advised due to potential toxicity.

Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How drought-tolerant is Lomatium triternatum?

A: It is moderately drought-tolerant once established.

Quick Reference
Family: Apiaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)","outdoor landscapers"]
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