Yolla Bolly biscuitroot facts for kids

Lomatium ciliolatum, also known as the Yolla Bolly biscuitroot, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the carrot family. This plant is special because it is endemic to California. This means it grows naturally only in California and nowhere else in the world.

You can find the Yolla Bolly biscuitroot in the mountain ranges near the San Francisco Bay Area. It grows at elevations from about 300 to 600 feet (1200 to 2100 meters). This plant often lives in areas with serpentine soil, which is a unique type of soil. It is commonly found in woodlands and chaparral habitats.

What Does the Yolla Bolly Biscuitroot Look Like?

The Yolla Bolly biscuitroot is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It usually grows to be about 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 inches) tall. The plant grows from a long main root called a taproot.

Leaves and Flowers

This plant usually does not have a tall stem. Instead, its leaves and flowers grow close to the ground. The leaves are often hairy and can grow in clumps or spread out. Each leaf can be up to 7 centimeters long. They are divided into many smaller parts, which look like narrow fingers.

The plant's flowers grow in a special shape called an umbel. This looks like an umbrella, with many small flower stalks coming from one point. The flowers can be yellowish or purplish in color.