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California yampah

Perideridia californica

Last reviewed: October 2026

California yampah (Perideridia californica) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw small bees, flies, and beetles.

California yampah (Perideridia californica)
Photo: (c) joergmlpts, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

California yampah (Perideridia californica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

18"–36" H × 8"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA

Pollinators

small bees, flies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like California yampah.

A slender perennial with finely divided leaves and flat-topped clusters of small white flowers atop tall stems, grown from an edible tuberous root and going dormant in summer.

Growing California yampah

Grow California yampah in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for anise swallowtail.

Umbel flowers attract a wide range of small pollinators, and the foliage is a larval host for anise swallowtail caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does California yampah need?
California yampah grows best in full sun conditions.
When does California yampah bloom?
California yampah blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is California yampah native?
California yampah (Perideridia californica) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does California yampah host?
California yampah is a larval host plant for anise swallowtail.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow California yampah? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.