California Lomatium
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(Lomatium californicum)
California Lomatium (Lomatium californicum)
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Madeleine Claire
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Madeleine Claire
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Madeleine Claire | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Madeleine Claire | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-04-02T22:56:41Z |
Summary
Lomatium californicum, commonly known as California Lomatium, is a deciduous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral regions in California and Oregon. This member of the Apiaceae family is closely related to carrots and parsnips. It typically grows to a height of 30–120 centimeters (0.98–3.94 feet). California Lomatium has distinctive blue-green leaves that are coarsely toothed or lobed, resembling those of common celery in both appearance and flavor. Its yellow flowers, which bloom from March to May, are arranged in broad umbels 15–30 centimeters (5.9–11.8 inches) in diameter and are moderately showy.
The plant is valued for its drought tolerance and is often used in native plant gardens, restoration projects, and xeriscaping. It thrives in full sun and is suitable for well-drained soils. While it is not commonly found in cultivation, its edible roots and leaves can be used in a similar fashion to celery or parsnips, providing a culinary use. Gardeners should note that Lomatium species can be difficult to establish from seed and may require stratification or smoke treatment to germinate.CC BY-SA 4.0
The plant is valued for its drought tolerance and is often used in native plant gardens, restoration projects, and xeriscaping. It thrives in full sun and is suitable for well-drained soils. While it is not commonly found in cultivation, its edible roots and leaves can be used in a similar fashion to celery or parsnips, providing a culinary use. Gardeners should note that Lomatium species can be difficult to establish from seed and may require stratification or smoke treatment to germinate.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-4 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, Green
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral regions in California and Oregon
Other Names
Common Names: California Rock Parsnip, Celery Weed
Scientific Names: Lomatium californicum, Leptotaenia californica, Ferula californica
GBIF Accepted Name: Lomatium californicum (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Mathias & Constance