Lomatium nudicaule, commonly known as pestle lomatium, barestem biscuitroot, Indian celery, or Indian consumption plant, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and rocky outcrops in western North America, from British Columbia to California and east to Utah. It typically grows up to 28 inches tall and is characterized by its thick taproot and basal leaves that emerge directly at ground level. The plant’s foliage is made up of waxy, lance-shaped leaflets, and during its flowering season in spring, it produces conspicuous umbels of yellow or purplish flowers that are attractive to pollinators.

Lomatium nudicaule is valued for its historical and ongoing use by Native American groups for food and medicinal purposes, including treatments for tuberculosis and as a throat remedy for singers during ceremonies. The seeds are also used culturally, being burned as incense. In cultivation, it is appreciated for its drought tolerance and can be used in native plant gardens, rock gardens, and restoration projects. It prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in well-drained soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0