Lomatium foeniculaceum subsp. inyoense
Inyo lomatium, Inyo Lomatium
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Apiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Lomatium foeniculaceum subsp. inyoense (Inyo lomatium) is a native California herb in the Apiaceae family, recognized by . High elevation subalpine specialist.
Inyo lomatium is a native perennial ranked 4.3 by CNPS, found in the White and Inyo Mountains in open summits and subalpine scrub at elevations of 2,200 to 3,200 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces pale yellow flowers in compact umbels with generally one ray less than 5 centimeters long. Growing as a small plant 3 to 12 centimeters tall with delicate branching, it has a distinctive low-growing habit characteristic of high-altitude environments. Its leaves feature finely divided segments 1 to 2 millimeters long, ranging from linear to obovate shapes, creating a feathery and intricate foliage pattern. The plant's compact size and delicate structure make it well-adapted to the harsh, exposed alpine conditions of its mountain habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated. High elevation subalpine specialist
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open summits, subalpine scrub
Elevation: 2195-3200 m
California counties: Inyo
Outside California: possibly to Idaho, Nevada
Bloom period
Lomatium foeniculaceum subsp. inyoense blooms Jun-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
How to tell it apart
vs Tauschia: Lomatium fruits have prominent marginal wings; Tauschia fruits lack wings or have only slight ribs.; vs Sanicula: Lomatium has typical umbrella-shaped flower clusters; Sanicula has dense ball-like flower heads with hooked bristles.; vs Cymopterus: Lomatium grows upright with a stem; Cymopterus is stemless and grows flat to the ground.; vs Conium: Lomatium grows in dry natural habitats; Conium has purple-spotted stems and grows in moist disturbed areas.; vs Daucus: Lomatium fruits are flat with thin wings; Daucus fruits are cylindrical with spiny bristles.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lomatium foeniculaceum subsp. inyoense native to California?
Yes. Lomatium foeniculaceum subsp. inyoense is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lomatium foeniculaceum subsp. inyoense bloom?
Lomatium foeniculaceum subsp. inyoense blooms Jun-Jul.
Where in California does Lomatium foeniculaceum subsp. inyoense grow?
Lomatium foeniculaceum subsp. inyoense occurs in Inyo, at elevations of 2195-3200 m.
What plant family does Lomatium foeniculaceum subsp. inyoense belong to?
Lomatium foeniculaceum subsp. inyoense is in the Apiaceae family, genus Lomatium.
Is Lomatium foeniculaceum subsp. inyoense rare or endangered?
Lomatium foeniculaceum subsp. inyoense carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.