About Lomatium latilobum (Rydb.) Mathias
Lomatium latilobum (Rydb.) Mathias is a threatened flowering plant species in the carrot family. Its common names are Canyonlands lomatium and Canyonlands biscuitroot. It is native to a region spanning the Utah-Colorado border in the United States, and several of its rare known occurrences lie within Arches National Park and Colorado National Monument. This perennial herb reaches heights of 10 to 30 centimeters, growing from a caudex covered in the dried, withered leaf remains from previous growing seasons. Its leaves are split into a small number of pairs of lance-shaped or oval leaflets that grow up to 1.2 centimeters wide. Its inflorescence is an umbel that holds many tiny yellow flowers. Its blooming period runs from April through June. The plant has a strong scent that resembles a mix of lemon and licorice. It grows in sandy crevices within Navajo Sandstone and other sandstone formations. Its natural habitat includes pinyon-juniper woodland, desert scrub, and other types of plant communities. There are an estimated 12 to 17 known occurrences of this species, though some of these are only documented from historical collections and may no longer exist. While some occurrences are officially protected inside national park and national monument lands, they still face threats from recreational activities like hiking. These plants cannot tolerate habitat disturbance and are easily uprooted when disturbed.
