Spring Gold

Latin: Lomatium utriculatum

Photo Credits: Gerald D. Carr

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Description: Also known as Fine-leaved Desert Parsley, Spring Gold is a member of the carrot family. It features bright green, fern-like leaves growing directly from the base. It ranges from 10 to 60 cm tall. At the top of the stem, a flat umbel holds a tight cluster of roughly 15 bright yellow, egg-shaped flowers.

Photo Credits: Klamath-Siskiyou Native Seeds

Harvest and Sustainability: Spring Gold is commonly found in the endangered Garry Oak ecosystem, primarily throughout the Gulf Islands and southern Vancouver Island. It prefers dry, open, rocky slopes, grassy bluffs, and vernal meadows.

To ensure Spring Gold can regenerate for the following season, harvest only after the plant has gone to seed.

Photo Credits: Dan Nelson

Uses: The roots of this plant was a staple food for Coast Salish communities. The root was eaten and cooked similarly to a carrot.