Apiastrum angustifolium
Mock parsley
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Apiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Apiastrum angustifolium (Mock parsley) is a native California herb in the Apiaceae family, recognized by Only species of Apiastrum in CA - distinguished from other Apiaceae by reduced umbel structure with only 2-3 rays and absence of bracts….
Mock parsley is a California native annual herb found in the California Floristic Province in chaparral and coastal scrub habitats at elevations below 1,500 meters. Flowering from March to April, this plant produces delicate white flowers in small compound umbels with widely spreading petals. Growing 5 to 50 centimeters tall with many-branched stems throughout, it forms a slender taprooted structure. Its leaves are mostly opposite with round blades finely divided into 5 to 25 millimeter linear segments, creating a delicate, lacy appearance. The small elliptic-cordate fruits are 1 to 1.5 millimeters long and become papillate-roughened as they mature.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only species of Apiastrum in CA - distinguished from other Apiaceae by reduced umbel structure with only 2-3 rays and absence of bracts and bractlets
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, coastal scrub
Elevation: < 1500 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, San Diego, Sonoma, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Mateo, Kern, Imperial, Solano, Santa Barbara, Glenn, Napa, Santa Clara, Tulare, San Benito, Monterey, Fresno, Contra Costa, Merced, Humboldt, Santa Cruz, Colusa, Lake, Alameda, Mariposa, Calaveras, Yolo, Stanislaus, San Francisco, El Dorado
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Apiastrum angustifolium blooms Mar-Apr.
How to tell it apart
vs Cyclospermum: Apiastrum has opposite leaves in pairs; Cyclospermum has alternate leaves.; vs Daucus: Apiastrum has 2-3 umbel rays and opposite leaves; Daucus has many rays and alternate leaves.; vs Anthriscus: Apiastrum has opposite leaves and 2-3 rays; Anthriscus has alternate leaves and many rays.; vs Torilis: Apiastrum has smooth fruits and opposite leaves; Torilis has prickly burr fruits and alternate leaves.; vs Ammoselinum: Apiastrum grows in chaparral with opposite leaves; Ammoselinum in deserts with alternate leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Apiastrum angustifolium native to California?
Yes. Apiastrum angustifolium is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Apiastrum angustifolium bloom?
Apiastrum angustifolium blooms Mar-Apr.
Where in California does Apiastrum angustifolium grow?
Apiastrum angustifolium occurs in San Luis Obispo, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, San Diego, Sonoma, Riverside, San Bernardino and other counties, at elevations of < 1500 m.
What plant family does Apiastrum angustifolium belong to?
Apiastrum angustifolium is in the Apiaceae family, genus Apiastrum.
What habitat does Apiastrum angustifolium grow in?
Apiastrum angustifolium grows in Chaparral, coastal scrub.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.