Canyonlands Biscuitroot: A Rare Gem for the Dedicated Native Plant Gardener
If you’re the type of gardener who gets excited about growing something truly special—something that most people have never heard of—then Canyonlands biscuitroot might just be your next obsession. This little-known native perennial is as rare as it is charming, making it a true collector’s plant for those passionate about preserving our native flora.
What Makes This Plant So Special?
Canyonlands biscuitroot (Lomatium latilobum) is a member of the carrot family that’s perfectly at home in the rugged landscapes of the Colorado Plateau. Don’t let the biscuitroot name fool you—this isn’t something you’d want to snack on. The name comes from the traditional use of related Lomatium species by indigenous peoples, who would harvest and prepare the roots as a food source.
This perennial forb grows as a low, spreading plant with delicately divided foliage that looks almost fern-like. In spring, it produces clusters of tiny white to cream-colored flowers arranged in umbrella-shaped formations called umbels—a classic characteristic of the carrot family.
Where Does It Call Home?
This plant is a true regional endemic, meaning it’s found naturally in only a very limited area. Canyonlands biscuitroot grows exclusively in Colorado and Utah, where it has adapted to the unique conditions of the high desert and canyon country that gives it its common name.
A Word of Caution: Rarity Matters
Here’s where things get serious. Canyonlands biscuitroot has a Global Conservation Status of S1S2, which means it’s considered rare to imperiled throughout its range. This isn’t a plant you can casually dig up from the wild or buy at your local nursery.
If you’re interested in growing this species, you absolutely must source it responsibly. This means:
- Never collect plants or seeds from wild populations
- Only purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their own stock
- Consider participating in conservation seed collection programs if available in your area
- Focus on supporting habitat preservation efforts for wild populations
Is This Plant Right for Your Garden?
Canyonlands biscuitroot isn’t for every garden or every gardener. It’s best suited for those who:
- Live within or near its native range (Colorado and Utah)
- Have experience growing challenging native plants
- Can provide excellent drainage and minimal water
- Appreciate subtle beauty over showy displays
- Are committed to conservation-minded gardening
Growing Conditions and Care
If you do decide to take on the challenge of growing Canyonlands biscuitroot, here’s what you need to know:
Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 4-7, this plant can handle cold winters but needs protection from excessive moisture.
Soil: Well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil is absolutely essential. This plant will quickly succumb to root rot in heavy or poorly-drained soils.
Water: Once established, this drought-tolerant native needs very little supplemental water. Overwatering is one of the quickest ways to kill it.
Sun: Full sun exposure mimics its natural habitat and promotes the best growth and flowering.
Garden Design Ideas
Canyonlands biscuitroot shines in:
- Rock gardens that mimic its native canyon habitat
- Xeriscaping projects focused on regional natives
- Native plant demonstration gardens
- Restoration projects within its natural range
Benefits to Pollinators and Wildlife
Despite its small size, Canyonlands biscuitroot plays an important role in supporting native pollinators. Its umbel flowers provide nectar and pollen for native bees and other small pollinators that have co-evolved with this plant family. The seeds may also provide food for small birds and rodents.
The Bottom Line
Canyonlands biscuitroot is definitely not a beginner plant, and it’s not one to grow on a whim. But for dedicated native plant enthusiasts within its range who can source it responsibly, it offers a unique opportunity to grow something truly special while contributing to conservation efforts.
Remember, the best way to help rare plants like this one is often to support habitat preservation and responsible seed collection programs rather than trying to grow them in our gardens. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do for a rare plant is to let it be wild.
