Biscuitroot

Biscuitroot
(Lomatium)

Many plants in the Parsley family (Apiaceae or Umbelliferae) are very edible, and have been used for food by various Indian tribes. There are notes in the journals of Lewis and Clark relating that they were given cakes called "cous" when they purchased food from the Shoshones. These cakes were made from the roots of the biscuitroot plants.

None of the Lomatiums are thought to be toxic, but other plants in the Parsley Family are very poisonous. Some of the poisonous ones look very much like the edible ones. It would therefore be unwise to eat any of the plants in this family unless you are very sure of the species.