When does Lomatium dissectum bloom?

Lomatium dissectum typically flowers from March through May, with timing depending on elevation and local spring conditions.

What pollinators visit Lomatium dissectum?

Bees and butterflies are the main visitors to its early-season umbels of small flowers, making it useful in a pollinator garden.

What growing conditions suit Lomatium dissectum?

It grows best in full sun with low water once established, reflecting its background on dry, well-drained slopes and open ground.

What kind of habitat does Lomatium dissectum grow in?

It is typically found on rocky or gravelly slopes, sagebrush flats, and open woodland edges that stay dry through summer.

Is Fernleaf Desert-Parsley toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Fernleaf Desert-Parsley as toxic to livestock.

Is Fernleaf Desert-Parsley HOA-friendly?

Fernleaf 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.

Fernleaf Desert-Parsley

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lomatium dissectum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Lomatium dissectum is a deep-rooted perennial forb of dry slopes and open woodlands in the Pacific Northwest and California, blooming March through May with small yellow flowers that draw bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Fernleaf Desert-Parsley (Lomatium dissectum) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Fernleaf Desert-Parsley as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

CA, ID, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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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 Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range

Fernleaf biscuitroot is a native wildflower with deeply divided, fern-like foliage and clusters of small yellow flowers in spring. This drought-tolerant perennial grows from a deep taproot and goes dormant in summer heat, disappearing until the following spring.

Growing Fernleaf Desert-Parsley

Grow Fernleaf Desert-Parsley in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Fernleaf 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.

Completely disappears in summer leaving bare ground
Can appear weedy or unkempt to conventional gardeners
Highly variable size makes planning difficult

Wildlife value

The spring flowers provide early nectar for native bees and butterflies when few other plants are blooming. Seeds also feed small birds and mammals.

Common questions

When does Lomatium dissectum bloom?: Lomatium dissectum typically flowers from March through May, with timing depending on elevation and local spring conditions.
What pollinators visit Lomatium dissectum?: Bees and butterflies are the main visitors to its early-season umbels of small flowers, making it useful in a pollinator garden.
What growing conditions suit Lomatium dissectum?: It grows best in full sun with low water once established, reflecting its background on dry, well-drained slopes and open ground.
What kind of habitat does Lomatium dissectum grow in?: It is typically found on rocky or gravelly slopes, sagebrush flats, and open woodland edges that stay dry through summer.
Is Fernleaf Desert-Parsley toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Fernleaf Desert-Parsley as toxic to livestock.
Is Fernleaf Desert-Parsley HOA-friendly?: Fernleaf 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.

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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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

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