Lomatium dasycarpum

The Lomatiums are signature plants of the California grasslands, & the “Lace Parsnips” (also known as “Wooly Parsleys”) are among the most attractive. The lacy ferny leaves emerge in a rosette from a sturdy taproot (transplant with care). The leaves are popular with the swallowtail butterflies, & were one of the main host plants for the butterfly before fennel became rampant. The flower spikes are 4-20” tall & topped by white umbels. However, the most attractive part is the cluster of flat, winged seeds that follow. They can each be more than 1/2” wide. It naturally grows on barren ridges or at the edge of grasslands, but should do well in any sunny garden or grassland situation as long as it does not get shaded out. It is widely found in California, including the Bay Area.