California Lomatium
Lomatium californicum
Last reviewed: July 2026
California Lomatium is a drought-tolerant native forb found in California and Oregon that produces clusters of small yellow flowers from March through May, attracting bees, beetles, and flies.
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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 blooms from March through May, producing umbels of small yellow flowers that attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies.
- What growing conditions does Lomatium californicum prefer?
- This native forb thrives in full sun conditions with low water requirements, making it well-suited for drought-tolerant landscapes in its native range of California and Oregon.
- What pollinators visit California Lomatium?
- California Lomatium attracts a diverse array of pollinators including native bees, beetles, and flies, making it valuable for supporting local pollinator populations.
- 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow California Lomatium? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz