Cymopterus cinerarius
Gray springparsley
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Family: Apiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Cymopterus cinerarius (Gray springparsley) is a native California herb in the Apiaceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by glaucous appearance and unique bract structure.
Gray springparsley is a California native perennial found in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and eastern Sierra Nevada in rocky mountain slopes at elevations of 2,100 to 3,500 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces white flowers in delicate umbels with conspicuous scarious-margined bracts. Growing as a small, compact perennial only 7 to 8 centimeters tall with a glaucous, minutely hairy appearance, it lacks a traditional stem. Its leaves are distinctive, with petioles 3 to 5 centimeters long and blades 1 to 2.5 centimeters wide, intricately 2-pinnately dissected into tiny segments 1 to 3 millimeters long. The fruit is a narrowly wedge-shaped structure approximately 6 millimeters long, with nearly equal ribs and narrow wings.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species. Distinguished by glaucous appearance and unique bract structure.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky mountain slopes
Elevation: 2100-3500 m
California counties: Mono, Inyo, Alpine, Tuolumne
Outside California: Nevada
Bloom period
Cymopterus cinerarius blooms Jun-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Lomatium: Cymopterus is stemless and grows flat to ground; Lomatium has an upright stem.; vs Sanicula: Cymopterus has open umbrella clusters and blue-green leaves; Sanicula has dense ball-like heads and green leaves.; vs Vesper: Cymopterus is a low carrot family plant with umbrella clusters; Vesper is unrelated (evening primrose family).; vs Tauschia: Cymopterus is stemless spreading flat; Tauschia has an upright stem.; vs Angelica: Cymopterus is low and stemless; Angelica is tall and erect with a distinct main stem.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cymopterus cinerarius native to California?
Yes. Cymopterus cinerarius is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cymopterus cinerarius bloom?
Cymopterus cinerarius blooms Jun-Jul.
Where in California does Cymopterus cinerarius grow?
Cymopterus cinerarius occurs in Mono, Inyo, Alpine, Tuolumne, at elevations of 2100-3500 m.
What plant family does Cymopterus cinerarius belong to?
Cymopterus cinerarius is in the Apiaceae family, genus Cymopterus.
What habitat does Cymopterus cinerarius grow in?
Cymopterus cinerarius grows in Rocky mountain slopes.
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.