Alkali desertparsley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alkali desertparsley |
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Selineae
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L. caruifolium
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| Lomatium caruifolium (Hook. & Arn.) J.M.Coult. & Rose
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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:
- Lomatium caruifolium var. caruifolium: This type is mostly found in the San Joaquin Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area, the California Coast Ranges, and the central Sierra Nevada foothills.
- Lomatium caruifolium var. denticulatum: This type is mainly found in the Sacramento Valley and the northern Sierra Nevada foothills.
