California Lomatium
Lomatium californicum
Last reviewed: August 2026
California Lomatium is a low water forb that blooms yellow from March through May in full sun sites across California and Oregon foothills and chaparral.
California Lomatium (Lomatium californicum) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA, OR
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
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Lomatium californicum is a low-growing native perennial forb with finely divided, fern-like foliage. It produces clusters of yellow flowers on tall stems in spring. The plant goes dormant in summer heat.
Growing California Lomatium
Grow California Lomatium in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 24 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
California Lomatium is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, foundation.
- Goes dormant and can look dead in summer
- Not traditionally ornamental in appearance
- Best mixed with other plants that provide summer interest
Wildlife value
Valuable spring nectar source for native bees, beetles, and flies when many other plants aren't yet blooming. The flat-topped flower clusters are particularly attractive to smaller pollinators.
Common questions
- When does California Lomatium bloom?
- California Lomatium typically flowers from March through May, with yellow umbel clusters appearing as spring temperatures rise.
- How much water does California Lomatium need?
- This forb is adapted to low water conditions and does best with infrequent irrigation once established, reflecting its background in dry foothill and chaparral sites.
- What kind of light does California Lomatium prefer?
- It grows best in full sun and can tolerate part sun locations, matching the open, exposed slopes and grasslands where it is often found.
- What insects visit California Lomatium flowers?
- Bees, beetles, and flies are commonly seen visiting the small yellow flower clusters during the spring bloom period.
- Is California Lomatium toxic to dogs?
- California Lomatium is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is California Lomatium toxic to cats?
- California Lomatium is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is California Lomatium HOA-friendly?
- California Lomatium is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California Lomatium? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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