alkali desertparsley

Lomatium caruifolium grows from a taproot, to 15–45 centimetres (5.9–17.7 in) in height. It generally lacks a stem, producing erect leaves and inflorescences from ground level. The leaves are up to 30 centimeters long and divided into many highly divided leaflets with narrow, pointed lobes. The inflorescence is topped with an umbel of yellowish to purplish flowers.

Varieties. Lomatium caruifolium var. caruifolium — primarily San Joaquin Valley, Bay Area, California Coast Ranges, central Sierra Nevada foothills. Lomatium caruifolium var. denticulatum — primarily in the Sacramento Valley, northern Sierra Nevada foothills.

The perennial herb is endemic to California, in the Central Valley and the foothills of the Inner California Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada. It grows in seasonally wet grassland and riparian areas, such as vernal pools, and other temporary and alkaline puddles.