When does common lomatium bloom?

Common lomatium typically flowers from March through May, with small yellow umbels opening early in the spring growing season.

What pollinators visit common lomatium?

Bees and beetles are the main visitors to the small yellow flower clusters of Lomatium utriculatum.

How much water does common lomatium need?

This plant does well with low water and prefers dry, well-drained soil, similar to the open grassland and woodland edges where it is commonly found.

What growing conditions suit common lomatium best?

Full sun and well-drained soil suit common lomatium best, matching the open, sunny sites where this low-growing forb typically establishes.

Is Common Lomatium HOA-friendly?

Common Lomatium is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Common Lomatium

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lomatium utriculatum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Lomatium utriculatum, also called common lomatium or spring gold, is a low-growing forb that blooms yellow from March through May in West Coast grasslands and open woodlands, offering early season nectar for bees and beetles.

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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 common lomatium bloom?: Common lomatium typically flowers from March through May, with small yellow umbels opening early in the spring growing season.
What pollinators visit common lomatium?: Bees and beetles are the main visitors to the small yellow flower clusters of Lomatium utriculatum.
How much water does common lomatium need?: This plant does well with low water and prefers dry, well-drained soil, similar to the open grassland and woodland edges where it is commonly found.
What growing conditions suit common lomatium best?: Full sun and well-drained soil suit common lomatium best, matching the open, sunny sites where this low-growing forb typically establishes.
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.

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.

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