Carrot-Leaf Desert-Parsley
Lomatium foeniculaceum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Lomatium foeniculaceum is a native wildflower of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions that blooms yellow from April to June. This drought-tolerant forb thrives in full sun and attracts bees, beetles, and flies.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CO, IA, KS, MO and 7 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Lomatium foeniculaceum is a compact native perennial with feathery, fern-like foliage that forms neat clumps in sunny, dry locations. It produces clusters of small yellow flowers on umbrella-shaped heads from April through June, then goes dormant in summer heat. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in well-drained soils and requires minimal care once established.
Growing Carrot-Leaf Desert-Parsley
Grow Carrot-Leaf Desert-Parsley in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Carrot-Leaf Desert-Parsley takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Goes completely dormant in summer leaving bare spots
- Unfamiliar appearance may be seen as weedy
- Short bloom period followed by long dormancy
Wildlife value
The flowers attract diverse native pollinators including small native bees, beetles, and flies during the spring blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds and small wildlife.
Common questions
- When does Carrot-Leaf Desert-Parsley bloom?
- Lomatium foeniculaceum typically blooms from April through June, producing clusters of small yellow flowers that attract various pollinators.
- Where is Lomatium foeniculaceum native?
- This species is native to the Great Plains and western United States, including Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
- What pollinators visit Carrot-Leaf Desert-Parsley?
- The flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies, making it a valuable plant for supporting diverse pollinator populations in native grassland habitats.
- What growing conditions does Lomatium foeniculaceum prefer?
- This drought-tolerant forb thrives in full sun conditions with low water requirements, making it well-suited to dry prairie and grassland environments.
- Is Carrot-Leaf Desert-Parsley HOA-friendly?
- Carrot-Leaf Desert-Parsley takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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 Carrot-Leaf Desert-Parsley? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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