Stiff Lomatium (Lomatium rigidum)

Stiff Lomatium

Lomatium rigidum

It bears delicate umbel clusters atop rigid stems, a quiet wild prairie beauty. Perennial herbaceous wildflower.

Full sun
0–1/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in dry, exposed open sites
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Watering Drought-tolerant; only water during extended dry spells in active growth
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Temperature Cold hardy to subzero temperatures; withstands hot, arid summer conditions
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Basal, finely divided into narrow linear segments; stiff, hairless texture
  • Flower: Tiny white to pale yellow umbel clusters; flat-topped inflorescences
  • Stem: Erect, rigid stems branching near the top; smooth green to reddish-brown
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Care Guide

Watering

Water sparingly only if soil is completely dry for 2+ weeks

Fertilization

No regular fertilization needed. Low-fertility soil supports natural healthy growth

Crushed eggshell powder:Sprinkle a thin layer on soil surface in early spring; no dilution required
Pruning
  • Remove spent flower heads in late spring to control self-seeding if desired
  • Cut back dead foliage in late autumn to tidy clumps
  • Thin overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years to improve airflow and reduce competition
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats

Humans: No documented toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Historically used by Indigenous North American peoples for medicinal and food purposes