Greenman’s Biscuitroot: A Rare Oregon Native Worth Knowing About
If you’re passionate about native plants and conservation, you may have come across the name Greenman’s biscuitroot (Lomatium greenmanii). This little-known Oregon native holds a special place in the world of botanical conservation, though it’s not a plant you’ll likely find at your local nursery—and for very important reasons.
What Makes This Plant Special
Greenman’s biscuitroot is a perennial forb, meaning it’s a non-woody herbaceous plant that returns year after year. Like other members of the Lomatium genus, it belongs to the carrot family and likely produces the characteristic umbrella-shaped clusters of small flowers that make these plants so distinctive in the wild.
A Critically Rare Oregon Endemic
Here’s where things get serious: Lomatium greenmanii is found only in Oregon and carries a Global Conservation Status of S1, which means it’s critically imperiled. This classification indicates there are typically only five or fewer known occurrences of this species, with very few remaining individuals—fewer than 1,000 plants total.
This extreme rarity makes Greenman’s biscuitroot one of Oregon’s most precious botanical treasures, existing in such limited numbers that it teeters on the edge of extinction.
Why This Matters for Gardeners
As a gardener interested in native plants, you might wonder if you can grow Greenman’s biscuitroot in your landscape. The honest answer is: you almost certainly cannot and should not attempt to do so unless you’re working directly with conservation professionals.
Here’s why:
- The plant is so rare that any collection from wild populations could harm its survival
- Seeds or plants are not commercially available through normal channels
- Its specific growing requirements are not well-documented
- Any cultivation should only occur as part of official conservation efforts
How You Can Help Instead
While you can’t grow this particular species, you can still support native plant conservation and enjoy related species:
- Plant other Lomatium species that are more common and available, such as desert parsley (Lomatium dissectum) or nineleaf biscuitroot (Lomatium triternatum)
- Support organizations working on Oregon native plant conservation
- Choose native plants appropriate to your region
- Learn about and advocate for habitat preservation
Conservation Status Alert
If you’re a researcher, botanist, or conservation professional interested in working with Greenman’s biscuitroot, any plant material must come from responsibly managed conservation programs. Never collect from wild populations, and always coordinate with state botanists and conservation organizations.
The Bigger Picture
Greenman’s biscuitroot serves as a reminder of how many native plants exist on the knife’s edge of extinction. While we may not be able to grow this particular species in our gardens, learning about it helps us appreciate the incredible diversity of native plants and the urgent need to protect their habitats.
By choosing to plant other native species that are more abundant and available, we can create gardens that support local ecosystems while leaving the rarest species to conservation professionals who have the expertise and resources to help them survive.
