1. Common Lomatium – Lomatium utriculatum
(lo-MAY-tee-um yoo-trik-yoo-LAY-tum )
Family: Apiaceae (Carrot Family)
Native to: Coastal states of North America from British Columbia to Baja.
In CA, west of Sierras &
desert mountains incl. w. L.A. county; open grassy slopes, prairie, meadows, woodlands to 4500'.
Growth characteristics:
herbaceous perennial
mature height: <1-2 ft.
mature width: 1-2 ft.
Drought-deciduous (to the ground) herbaceous perennial from a slender taproot. Leaves are finelydissected giving a feathery or fern-like appearance. Delicate appearance.
Blooms/fruits:
Blooms in spring, usually Mar-Apr depending on rains and temperatures. Tiny
flowers are a bright, golden yellow (hence the common name ‘Spring Gold’).
Several to many
flowers in up to 15 compact heads aggregated in a compound umbel.
Delicate, woodland
appearance. Attract a wide range of insects.
Uses in the garden: Often used as a habitat plant in natural gardens, rock gardens and on slopes.
Good choice for inclusion in a life-friendly ‘lawn’ with other native grasses, annuals & perennials.
Good choice for planting near/in vegetable gardens, under fruit trees. You leaves/shoots and roots
can be eaten, raw or cooked – or dried for later use. Roots used for headache & stomach ache.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native plants like Queen Ann’s Lace & similar perennials.
Attracts: Excellent insect habitat plant: attracts a wide variety of bees, flies, wasps and beetles.
Larval food source for Anise Swallowtail butterfly.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part-shade.
Most soils, including heavy clay; local pH including alkali soils.
Good winter/spring soil moisture; taper off in late summer/fall.
Not really needed; probably wouldn’t hurt it.
Management:
Pretty easy to grow.
Will re-seed on bare ground. Bag seed heads to collect seed.
from seed: fresh seed; soak in several changes of water prior to planting if
purchased. Best planted in situ in prepared soils in fall.
Propagation:
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 30
7/2/12
© Project SOUND