kids encyclopedia robot

Alkali desertparsley facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Alkali desertparsley
H20130318-7048—Lomatium caruifolium—Mitchell Canyon (8586535007).jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
(unranked):
(unranked):
(unranked):
Order:
Family:
Tribe:
Selineae
Genus:
Species:
L. caruifolium
Binomial name
Lomatium caruifolium
(Hook. & Arn.) J.M.Coult. & Rose

Lomatium caruifolium, also known as alkali desertparsley, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the carrot family, which includes plants like carrots and parsley!

Where it Lives

This plant is a perennial herb, meaning it lives for more than two years. It is found only in California, which means it is endemic to that state.

You can find it in the Central Valley and the lower parts of the California Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada mountains.

It likes to grow in places that are wet for part of the year. This includes grassy areas and riparian areas, which are near rivers or streams. It also grows in vernal pools, which are temporary puddles that appear in spring. It can even grow in temporary puddles with alkaline (salty) soil.

What it Looks Like

Lomatium caruifolium grows from a thick root called a taproot, similar to a carrot. It can grow to be about 15 to 45 centimeters (6 to 18 inches) tall.

This plant usually doesn't have a main stem above ground. Instead, its leaves and flower stalks grow straight up from the ground. The leaves can be up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) long. They are divided into many small, narrow, pointed sections.

The flowers grow in a cluster called an umbel, which looks like an umbrella. These flower clusters are found at the top of the stalks. The flowers can be yellowish or purplish in color.

Different Types

There are two main types, or varieties, of Lomatium caruifolium:

kids search engine
Alkali desertparsley Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.