Edible Parts: Leaves  Root  Seed
Edible Uses:

Carrotleaf biscuitroot demonstrates that abundance does not always equal food quality. Despite producing impressively large roots with an inviting balsamic aroma, the intensely resinous flavor makes it one of the least desirable edible biscuitroots. Better-tasting members of the genus, such as Nevada biscuitroot, Great Basin biscuitroot, or cous, are far superior choices wherever they occur [2-3]. The roots, young stems, and leaves are technically edible, but they are not recommended because of their intensely resinous and unpleasant flavor. As with all Lomatium species, cooking or soaking helps reduce naturally occurring phototoxic compounds but does not adequately improve the taste. Careful identification is essential because members of the genus can resemble the deadly spotted hemlock [2-3]. Edibility Rating: 2 out of 5 – Edible in theory, but the strong resinous flavor makes it an impractical food despite its large roots [2-3]. Taste and Preparation: The roots are large, white inside, and covered by brown skins with a strong balsamic aroma. Unfortunately, the appealing smell is misleading. The flavor is dominated by acrid resins, making the roots unpleasant whether raw or cooked. The inner root contains numerous stringy fibres, and boiling does little to reduce the harsh taste. The leaves and other above-ground parts are equally resinous and are generally unsuitable for eating. Seasonality (Phenology): Flowers from April to August, depending on elevation. Roots are best harvested while plants are actively growing in spring and early summer [2-3]. Traditional Uses: Although several Lomatium species were important Indigenous foods, carrotleaf biscuitroot appears to have been used far less extensively than better-tasting species such as cous or Nevada biscuitroot. Its widespread abundance likely made it an emergency resource where superior species were unavailable [2-3]. Safety: Like all members of the Lomatium genus, carrotleaf biscuitroot contains furanocoumarins, compounds that can cause skin irritation and photosensitivity in susceptible individuals. It can also resemble spotted hemlock (Conium maculatum) before the fruit develops, so positive identification is essential. Although edible, the roots contain abundant resinous compounds that make them unsuitable as a food source [2-3]. Root - cooked[105, 177, 183, 257]. Resinous and balsamic[207]. The root can be dried and ground into a powder and then be mixed with cereal flours or added as a flavouring to soups etc. The roots have been boiled to make a refreshing and nutritious drink[257]. Young seed sprouts - raw[105, 177, 257]. Seed[106, 257]. No more details are given, though it is most likely used as an aromatic flavouring in cooked foods[K].

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Antidandruff  Disinfectant  Ophthalmic  Pectoral  Poultice  Salve  Stomachic  Tonic


Fernleaf biscuitroot was widely employed medicinally by many native North American Indian tribes who considered it to be a universal panacea and used it especially in treating chest problems and skin complaints[207, 257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism, but probably warrants investigation. The whole plant, but especially the root, is disinfectant, pectoral, salve, stomachic and tonic[257]. The dried root was used in the treatment of rheumatism, stomach complaints, coughs, colds, hay fever, bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia and tuberculosis[207, 257]. The root was burnt and the smoke inhaled in the treatment of asthma and other chest complaints[257], it was also used as a herbal steam bath for treating chest complaints[257]. The root was used to make a drink that was taken as a tonic to help people in a weakened condition gain weight[257]. A poultice of the peeled and crushed roots has been applied to open cuts, sores, boils, bruises and rheumatic joints[257]. The root has been soaked in water and then used as an antidandruff wash for the hair[257]. An infusion of the leaves and stems has been used as a tonic[257]. The root oil has been applied as a salve to sores and also used as an eye wash in the treatment of trachoma[257]. Some people may experience a one-time uncomfortable detox rash (please research more on this plant before taking it).

Disinfectant  Incense

The pulverized root has been burnt as an incense[257]. The early yellow flower clusters provide nectar and pollen for native bees, flies, and other pollinating insects. The foliage may also be browsed by native herbivores.

Special Uses

Food Forest