Umtanum Desertparsley: A Rare Washington Native Worth Protecting
If you’re a native plant enthusiast with a soft spot for botanical rarities, Umtanum desertparsley (Lomatium quintuplex) might just capture your heart. This little-known member of the carrot family is one of Washington’s most exclusive natives – so exclusive, in fact, that you’ll want to think carefully before adding it to your garden.
What Makes This Plant Special?
Umtanum desertparsley is a perennial forb that belongs to the fascinating world of desert parsleys. Like its cousins in the Lomatium genus, it’s a hardy survivor that has adapted to some pretty tough conditions. As a forb, it’s essentially an herbaceous flowering plant – think of it as nature’s version of a wildflower that comes back year after year without any woody stems to speak of.
Where Does It Call Home?
Here’s where things get really interesting (and a bit concerning). This plant is native only to Washington state, making it what botanists call an endemic species. It’s like having a neighbor who never leaves the block – except in this case, the block is an entire state, and the neighbor is getting pretty rare.
The Rarity Factor: Why You Should Care
Before you start planning where to plant your Umtanum desertparsley, here’s something crucial to know: this species has a Global Conservation Status of S3, which translates to Vulnerable. In plain English, that means it’s in trouble. With only an estimated 3,000 to 10,000 individuals left in the wild and fewer than 100 known locations, this plant is walking a tightrope toward extinction.
What does this mean for gardeners? If you’re determined to grow this rare beauty, you absolutely must source it responsibly. Never collect seeds or plants from wild populations – that could push an already vulnerable species closer to the edge.
Garden Design and Landscape Role
Given its rarity and specific habitat needs, Umtanum desertparsley isn’t your typical garden center find. If you do manage to source it ethically, it would be perfect for:
- Native plant restoration projects
- Specialized rock gardens with excellent drainage
- Conservation-focused native plant collections
- Educational gardens highlighting rare Pacific Northwest flora
Growing Conditions (Best Guesses)
While specific growing information for this rare species is limited, we can make some educated guesses based on its desert parsley relatives:
- Sunlight: Likely prefers full sun
- Soil: Well-draining, possibly rocky or sandy soils
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Hardiness: Probably suited to USDA zones 4-8, given its Washington origins
Pollinator and Wildlife Benefits
Like other members of the carrot family, Umtanum desertparsley likely produces small, clustered flowers that attract native bees and other small pollinators. These specialized relationships between rare plants and their pollinators are part of what makes conservation so important – lose the plant, and you might lose the insects that depend on it too.
Should You Plant It?
Here’s the honest truth: most gardeners probably shouldn’t actively seek out this plant. Its rarity means it’s better left to conservation professionals and dedicated native plant specialists who can ensure proper propagation and care.
However, if you’re passionate about rare plant conservation and can source seeds or plants from reputable native plant societies or conservation programs, growing Umtanum desertparsley could be your small contribution to keeping this species alive.
Better Alternatives for Most Gardeners
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing desert parsleys but want something more readily available, consider these more common Lomatium species:
- Bare-stem desert parsley (Lomatium nudicaule)
- Fernleaf biscuitroot (Lomatium dissectum)
- Nine-leaf desert parsley (Lomatium triternatum)
These relatives offer similar ecological benefits without the conservation concerns, and you’re much more likely to find them through legitimate native plant sources.
The Bottom Line
Umtanum desertparsley represents both the beauty and fragility of our native flora. While it might not be the right choice for every garden, learning about rare plants like this one helps us appreciate the incredible diversity hiding in plain sight – and reminds us why protecting native habitats matters so much.
If you do decide to grow this rare gem, remember: with great plants comes great responsibility. Source ethically, grow carefully, and maybe even consider sharing seeds with other conservation-minded gardeners to help ensure this Washington native has a future.
