Cymopterus gilmanii
Gilman's cymopterus
(c) Stan Shebs, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Apiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Cymopterus gilmanii (Gilman's cymopterus) is a native California herb in the Apiaceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by habitat and unique stem/leaf morphology.
Gilman's cymopterus is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native perennial found in the northeastern Mojave Desert Mountains on limestone and gypsum slopes at elevations of 900 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces delicate purple flowers in compound umbels with approximately 8 rays. Growing with smooth, bluish-green stems 12 to 23 centimeters tall, it develops a fibrous base. Its distinctive leaves have round, kidney-shaped blades divided into three deeply lobed leaflets, each leaflet with toothed margins ending in small spines. The fruit is widely ovate, with unequal ribs and wing-like margins broader than the central body.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated. Distinguished by habitat and unique stem/leaf morphology.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Limestone, gypsum slopes
Elevation: 900-2000 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Inyo
Outside California: Nevada
Bloom period
Cymopterus gilmanii blooms Apr-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
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 gilmanii native to California?
Yes. Cymopterus gilmanii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cymopterus gilmanii bloom?
Cymopterus gilmanii blooms Apr-May.
Where in California does Cymopterus gilmanii grow?
Cymopterus gilmanii occurs in San Bernardino, Inyo, at elevations of 900-2000 m.
What plant family does Cymopterus gilmanii belong to?
Cymopterus gilmanii is in the Apiaceae family, genus Cymopterus.
Is Cymopterus gilmanii rare or endangered?
Cymopterus gilmanii carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Cymopterus globosus — Globose cymopterus
- Cymopterus multinervatus — Purple-nerve cymopterus
- Cymopterus panamintensis — Panamint cymopterus
- Cymopterus panamintensis var. acutifolius — Panamint indian parsnip
- Cymopterus panamintensis var. panamintensis — Panamint indian parsnip
- Cymopterus purpurascens — Purple cymopterus
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.