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Common Lomatium

Lomatium utriculatum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Lomatium utriculatum is a native wildflower of California, Oregon, and Washington that blooms with yellow umbel flowers from March through May. This drought-tolerant forb thrives in full sun and attracts native bees and beetles.

Common Lomatium (Lomatium utriculatum)
Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Alex Heyman

Common Lomatium (Lomatium utriculatum) 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 × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeSierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California MountainsMojave Basin and Range

Common lomatium is a low-growing native perennial with delicate, fern-like foliage and clusters of small yellow flowers in spring. It grows 4-24 inches tall with a modest spread, preferring full sun and requiring very little water once established.

Growing Common Lomatium

Grow Common Lomatium in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Common Lomatium is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.

  • Goes dormant in summer, leaving bare spots
  • Not as showy or recognizable as common landscape plants
  • Can look weedy or unkempt if not properly sited

Wildlife value

This plant attracts native bees and beetles during its spring bloom period. It serves as an important early-season nectar source when many other plants have not yet flowered.

Common questions

When does Lomatium utriculatum bloom?
Common Lomatium blooms from March through May, producing clusters of small yellow flowers in umbrella-like formations called umbels.
What pollinators visit Lomatium utriculatum?
This native plant attracts bees and beetles, which are drawn to its early spring flowers that provide nectar and pollen when few other plants are blooming.
Where is Lomatium utriculatum native?
Common Lomatium is native to the western United States, specifically California, Oregon, and Washington, where it grows in dry, open areas and grasslands.
What growing conditions does Lomatium utriculatum prefer?
This drought-tolerant forb thrives in full sun conditions with low water requirements, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and low-maintenance native plant gardens.
Is Common Lomatium toxic to dogs?
Common Lomatium is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Common Lomatium toxic to cats?
Common Lomatium is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Common Lomatium HOA-friendly?
Common Lomatium is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate 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 Common Lomatium? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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