Desert Parsley
Lomatium mojavense
Desert Parsley is a low-growing, early-blooming wildflower native to the Mojave Desert and surrounding arid regions. It’s part of the carrot family and known for its finely divided leaves and clusters of small, yellow flowers.
Appearance:
A perennial herb that grows close to the ground, usually only a few inches tall. It has fern-like, feathery leaves that form a basal rosette. Its flowers are small and yellow, arranged in rounded umbrella-shaped clusters called umbels. The plant may go unnoticed until it blooms, when it brightens the desert floor with subtle charm.
Habitat:
Found in rocky or sandy soils, desert flats, slopes, and washes. Prefers well-drained soils and full sun, often growing among creosote bush and other desert shrubs.
Bloom Time:
Blooms from February to April, making it one of the earlier wildflowers of the season.
Pollinators:
Attracts small native bees, flies, and other early spring insects. Its low growth habit and early bloom make it an important part of the desert pollinator cycle.
Note:
Desert Parsley is a quiet desert plant, but it's tough and dependable. It was traditionally used by Native peoples for both food and medicine, including as a root vegetable and for treating minor ailments.