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basalt springparsley
Scientific Name: Cymopterus basalticus
Family: Apiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Desert Parsley and Spring Parsleys: A Botanical Overview
This page explores several plants known as desert parsley or spring parsley, primarily focusing on species within the genera Lomatium and Cymopterus. These plants, often associated with basalt-rich environments, exhibit varied characteristics and distributions.
Considerations for Pets
- Several Cymopterus species, referred to as "spring parsley," are noted as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
Common Names and Scientific Classification
- The common names "biscuitroot," "Indian parsley," and "desert parsley" are used for some of these plants.
- Several species with the common name "spring parsley" are also discussed.
- Scientific Names:
- Lomatium grayi (Desert Parsley)
- Cymopterus watsonii (Spring Parsley)
- Cymopterus terebinthinus (Turpentine Spring-Parsley)
- Lomatium roseanum (Adobe Parsley or Adobe Lomatium)
- Cymopterus ibapensis (Spring Parsley)
- Lomatium pastorale (Shepherd's Desert Parsley)
- Lomatium columbianum (Columbia Desert Parsley)
- Lomatium macrocarpum (Desert Parsley)
- Cymopterus basalticus (Basalt Springparsley)
- Cymopterus bulbosus (Bulbous Spring Parsley)
- Family: Apiaceae (Carrot Family)
Distribution and Habitat
- These plants are found throughout western North America.
- They often inhabit areas with basalt rock, including coastal bluffs and basalt talus slopes.
- Specific locations mentioned include:
- Washington (Columbia River Gorge, Tom McCall Preserve)
- Oregon
- Idaho
- Nevada
- Utah
- Basalt, Colorado Area
- Blue Mountains
- Columbia Basin
- Lomatium roseanum specifically prefers dry basalt talus scree overlying clay soils.
- Cymopterus ibapensis is closely aligned with the Great Basin type of habitat.
Morphological Characteristics
- Spring parsley grows 4 to 6 inches tall.
- These plants are green and grow most during the spring when water is available.
Ecological Role
- Pungent desert-parsley is noted as a haven for ticks.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Basalt milkvetch, often found in similar habitats, is a nitrogen-fixing member of the Pea family.
Further Information
- Agrilicious.org is referenced as a resource for finding locally sourced parsley.
Quirky Facts
- Parsley contains about three times the amount of vitamin C by volume as an orange.