Nineleaf Biscuitroot
Lomatium triternatum
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Nineleaf Biscuitroot (Lomatium triternatum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Nineleaf Biscuitroot as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
ID, MT, OR, WA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Nineleaf biscuitroot is a compact native perennial that produces clusters of small yellow flowers in early spring. The finely divided, fern-like foliage emerges in late winter and dies back to the ground by midsummer, entering dormancy until the next growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Nineleaf Biscuitroot takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Completely dormant and invisible for half the year
- Unfamiliar appearance may be perceived as weedy
- Short blooming period followed by rapid senescence
Wildlife value
The early spring blooms provide crucial nectar for native bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. This plant is especially valuable for supporting solitary bees emerging from winter hibernation.
Common questions
- How much sun does Nineleaf Biscuitroot need?
- Nineleaf Biscuitroot grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Nineleaf Biscuitroot bloom?
- Nineleaf Biscuitroot blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Nineleaf Biscuitroot native?
- Nineleaf Biscuitroot (Lomatium triternatum) is native to ID, MT, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Nineleaf Biscuitroot toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Nineleaf Biscuitroot as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Nineleaf Biscuitroot attract?
- Nineleaf Biscuitroot draws bees and beetles.
- Is Nineleaf Biscuitroot HOA-friendly?
- Nineleaf Biscuitroot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Nineleaf Biscuitroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz