Alkali Desertparsley: A Rare California Native Worth Protecting
If you’re passionate about California native plants and supporting local ecosystems, you might want to get acquainted with alkali desertparsley (Lomatium caruifolium). This lesser-known native perennial represents exactly the kind of plant that makes native gardening so rewarding – and so important for conservation.
Meet the Alkali Desertparsley
Alkali desertparsley is a native perennial forb, which means it’s a soft-stemmed herbaceous plant that comes back year after year. Unlike woody shrubs or trees, this plant dies back to the ground each winter and regrows from its perennial root system. It belongs to the carrot family, and like its relatives, produces small flowers arranged in umbrella-shaped clusters called umbels.
Where You’ll Find This California Native
This species is native to California, where it has adapted to grow in alkaline soil conditions – hence the alkali in its common name. As a true California native, it’s perfectly suited to the state’s unique climate patterns and soil conditions.
A Word About Rarity
Here’s something important to know: alkali desertparsley has a Global Conservation Status of S3S4, which indicates it may be rare or uncommon in parts of its range. This makes it a plant worth protecting and celebrating, but it also means we need to be thoughtful about how we source it. If you decide to grow this species, make sure you’re getting plants or seeds from reputable native plant nurseries that use responsibly collected material – never collect from wild populations.
Garden Appeal and Landscape Role
While alkali desertparsley might not be the showiest plant in your garden, it offers the subtle beauty that makes native plant gardens so special. Its delicate umbel flowers, likely white to pale yellow, provide a soft, naturalistic look that pairs beautifully with other California natives.
This plant would be an excellent choice for:
- Native plant gardens focused on California species
- Restoration projects in appropriate habitats
- Gardens with alkaline soil conditions
- Xeriscaping and water-wise landscapes
Supporting Wildlife
Like other members of the carrot family, alkali desertparsley likely provides nectar and pollen for native pollinators, particularly smaller beneficial insects. The flowers’ structure makes them especially attractive to native bees, beneficial wasps, and other small pollinators that might be overlooked by showier non-native flowers.
Its wetland status as Facultative Wetland in both the Arid West and Western Mountains regions means it can thrive in areas that receive seasonal moisture, making it valuable for supporting wildlife during both wet and dry periods.
Growing Conditions and Care
Based on its common name and native habitat, alkali desertparsley appears to tolerate alkaline soil conditions that might challenge other plants. This is actually a valuable trait, as many gardeners struggle with alkaline soils.
Since specific growing information for this species is limited, your best bet is to:
- Contact local native plant societies or extension offices for region-specific advice
- Observe the plant’s natural habitat if possible
- Start with well-draining soil and moderate water
- Provide conditions similar to other California natives from similar habitats
The Bottom Line
Alkali desertparsley represents the kind of overlooked native treasure that makes native gardening an adventure. While it might not be the easiest plant to find or grow, supporting rare native species like this one is part of what makes native gardening meaningful. If you can source it responsibly and provide appropriate growing conditions, you’ll be supporting California’s botanical heritage while creating habitat for native wildlife.
Just remember: with great natives comes great responsibility. Always source rare plants ethically, and consider this species as part of a broader native plant palette rather than a standalone specimen.
