Spermolepis gigantea
desert scaleseed
Family: Apiaceae
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.1
Spermolepis gigantea (desert scaleseed) is a California plant in the Apiaceae family.
I apologize, but I cannot generate a description for this plant because the provided data is incomplete. The plant data sections are blank or missing critical information such as: - Native Status - Bioregional Distributions - Elevation Range - Habitat - Flowering Time - Jepson Description Without these key details, I cannot construct a description that meets the specified rules and quality standards. To create an accurate plant description, I would need complete botanical data from sources like the Jepson Manual or a comprehensive plant database. If you can provide the missing information, I would be happy to generate a description following the detailed guidelines you've outlined.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Differentiators are not available at this time.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Apiastrum: Spermolepis grows in deserts with alternate leaves; Apiastrum in chaparral with opposite leaves.; vs Torilis: Spermolepis has smooth flower stalks; Torilis has hairy stalks and herbage throughout.; vs Ammoselinum: Spermolepis flower clusters are completely smooth; Ammoselinum clusters are finely fuzzy.; vs Cyclospermum: Spermolepis has wide-oval fruits in deserts; Cyclospermum has narrower fruits in wet areas.; vs Daucus: Spermolepis has few-rayed open clusters in deserts; Daucus has many-rayed nest-like clusters.
Frequently asked questions
What plant family does Spermolepis gigantea belong to?
Spermolepis gigantea is in the Apiaceae family, genus Spermolepis.
Is Spermolepis gigantea rare or endangered?
Spermolepis gigantea carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.1, state rank SH.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.