Lomatium californicum

(Nutt.) Mathias & Constance

Wild celery-parsley, California lomatium

Apiaceae Edible: Leaves, Roots Potential hazards — see below 1,300 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Lomatium californicum is a species of plant related to the carrot and the parsnip which is known by the common names California rock parsnip, celery weed, and California lomatium. This plant is native to California and Oregon. It is found on mountains and hills, at elevations of 150–1,800 metres (490–5,910 ft).

Description

A temperate herbaceous plant in the carrot family (Apiaceae) with edible roots and leaves.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The roots and leaves (tops) are eaten raw, and the shoots are also cooked.

Traditional Uses

The roots and tops are eaten raw. The shoots are also cooked.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

It is a traditional Native American food source and medicinal plant, with various parts of the plant used, including by the Kawaiisu, Yuki, and Yurok peoples. The Yuki chewed it while hunting to prevent deer from detecting human scents. The Chumash called it chuchupaste (lit. plant of great virtue) and used it to cure headaches and stomach pain.

Known Hazards

This is an endangered species.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Notes

Caution: It is an endangered species.

Synonyms

Leptotaenia californica Nutt.

References (4)

Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 20
Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 495
Lim, T. K., 2015, Edible Medicinal and Non Medicinal Plants. Volume 9, Modified Stems, Roots, Bulbs. Springer p 52
Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 313