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California Lomatium

Lomatium californicum

Also listed as Leptotaenia californica, Ferula californica

herbaceous☀️ full sun💧 low water❄ Hardy: Zone 8a – Zone 10b

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A native perennial wildflower, sometimes grown for its edible root and seed. It bears yellow flower clusters on slender stems in spring and does best in dry, sunny sites.

Why grow it

It needs little water once established, so it suits dry western plantings better than many thirstier wildflowers. Its early yellow umbels offer nectar and pollen for native pollinators.

Watch out for

Seedlings establish slowly and need consistent moisture through their first growing season. Plants need excellent drainage and may rot in heavy clay or with summer irrigation.

Overview

Form
upright herbaceous
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
1–2.5′ tall × 1–1.5′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous
Family
Apiaceae
ediblemedicinaldynamic accumulator

Native to the United States

Native Range

California and surrounding regions

Native to: California

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Harvest Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Edible Parts

rootseed

Season of Interest

Spring

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Companion Planting

Plants well with