SafePlants

Plains Spring Parsley (Cymopterus acaulis)

Plains Spring Parsley, scientifically known as Cymopterus acaulis, also goes by the common names Plains Wavewing and Stemless Spring Parsley. Other common names include plains springparsley and plains cymopterus.

Considerations for Pets

• Part of the Parsley or Carrot family (Apiaceae).
• Leaves are described as deeply cut.
• Aromatic plant.

Considerations for Children

• Part of the Parsley or Carrot family (Apiaceae).
• Leaves are described as deeply cut.
• Aromatic plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cymopterus acaulis
• Common Names: Plains Spring Parsley, Plains Wavewing, Stemless Spring Parsley, Plains Cymopterus
• Family: Apiaceae (Parsley or Carrot family)
• Synonym: Cymopterus glomeratus
• Subspecies: Cymopterus acaulis (Pursh) Raf. var. acaulis
• The Apiales order includes at least 59 members.

Distribution and Habitat

• Found on plains or mountain meadows up to 7500 ft in elevation.
• Specific locations mentioned include Scott County, Kansas; Almont Triangle, GV, CO; Petrified Forest National Park.
• Grows on dry, gravelly slopes, from plains to foothills.
• Also found in sandy or stony places.
• Observed throughout Wyoming.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial plant.
• Height: 4-8 inches.
• Leaves are described as plain, flat, and deeply cut, with dark green color.
• One of the earliest blooming flowers.

Ecological Role

• Cattle may eat plains larkspurs at any stage of growth, which begins in early spring.

Quirky Facts

• It is one of the earliest blooming flowers.

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern...
• Wyoming Natural Diversity Database