Bulbous Biscuitroot (Cymopterus bulbosa) is a member of the parsley family. It is one of several varieties that are found throughout the Desert Southwest. The Cymopterus bulbosa is notable for its pale green leaves with a blue tinge. In early spring, the purple/pink flowers emerge through white papery bracts. Other Cymopterus species have yellow flowers.
Biscuitroot is a multi-use plant. As a spice, before it flowers, the leaves can be dried and crumbled to be used as a spice like parsley. When the flowers fruit, the winged fruit can be eaten as a medicine. The roots are edible – eaten fresh like a carrot or dried to be ground into flour. The bark of the root can be striped and boiled to make a yellow dye.
Widely distributed and often found in large quantities, biscuitroot was a widely used food source for many Native peoples.
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