Cymopterus panamintensis var. panamintensis
Panamint indian parsnip
Photo: parent species Cymopterus panamintensis · (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Apiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Cymopterus panamintensis var. panamintensis (Panamint indian parsnip) is a native California herb in the Apiaceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by leaf segment characteristics and yellow flowers.
Panamint indian parsnip is a California native perennial found in the Panamint Mountains in rocky slopes at elevations of 800 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces white flowers in umbels characteristic of the parsnip family. Growing with slender stems emerging from a thick taproot, it develops a compact growth habit adapted to harsh desert environments. Its leaves feature tightly clustered segments that are rigid and typically 1 to 5 millimeters long, reflecting the plant's resilience in arid mountain terrain.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species. Distinguished by leaf segment characteristics and yellow flowers.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes
Elevation: 800-2500 m
California counties: Inyo, Kern, San Bernardino, Tulare
Bloom period
Cymopterus panamintensis var. panamintensis blooms Mar-May.
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 panamintensis var. panamintensis native to California?
Yes. Cymopterus panamintensis var. panamintensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cymopterus panamintensis var. panamintensis bloom?
Cymopterus panamintensis var. panamintensis blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Cymopterus panamintensis var. panamintensis grow?
Cymopterus panamintensis var. panamintensis occurs in Inyo, Kern, San Bernardino, Tulare, at elevations of 800-2500 m.
What plant family does Cymopterus panamintensis var. panamintensis belong to?
Cymopterus panamintensis var. panamintensis is in the Apiaceae family, genus Cymopterus.
What habitat does Cymopterus panamintensis var. panamintensis grow in?
Cymopterus panamintensis var. panamintensis grows in Rocky 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.