SafePlants

Aromatic Spring-Parsley (Cymopterus aboriginum)

Considerations for Pets

• Cymopterus watsonii, also known as Spring Parsley, is listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that Cymopterus species have parsley-like leaves and roots that are wrinkled and brown on the outside. It is important to be able to properly identify this plant in order to avoid accidental consumption of a potentially toxic plant.

Common Names

• Aromatic spring-parsley
• Northern Indian parsnip
• Turpentine cymopterus
• Indian Spring-parsley
• Spring Parsley (Indian Parsnip)
• Trans-Pecos Indian-parsley (Aletes filifolius)
• Trans-Pecos spring-parsley (Cymopterus longiradiatus)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cymopterus aboriginum
• Genus: Cymopterus
• Family: Parsley Family (Apiaceae/ Umbelliferae)
• Taxonomic Status: Accepted
• Related ITIS Name: Cymopterus aboriginum M.E. Jones (TSN )

Distribution and Habitat

• Grows in the Great Basin of the American West.

Traditional Uses

• It was utilized as food by many western Indian tribes.

Morphological Characteristics

• Mountain plant with parsley-like leaves and white umbrella flowers.
• The root is wrinkled and brown on the outside and yellow-white on the inside.

Alternative Scientific Names

• Cymopterus lemmonii (synonym for Pseudocymopterus montanus)
• Cymopterus watsonii (another species within the same genus)