Scientific Family
Apiaceae
Synonyms
Ferula foeniculacea, Peucedanum foeniculaceum
Other common names
biscuitroot
carrot-leaf desert-parsley
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
Up to 12 inches
Riparian
No
Several basal 3 times divided leaves arise from a thick taproot. Flowers are in compound umbels arising on stems from the base of the plant.
Taprooted, lacks stems. Leaves basal, pinnatifid, hairy, whitish or blue-green in color. Flower heads terminal and axillary, flowers yellow, purple-tinged in compound umbels; bracts holding the umbel rough margined. Fruit obicular or oblong.
Habitat
Oak-juniper woodlands and clearings in ponderosa forests.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Low elevation
4000
High elevation
8000
Flower Characteristics
Tiny 5-petaled flowers form tight umbels on long stems. Flower clusters are compound umbels (umbrella-like).
Flower color
Yellow, white, purplish-tinged
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
June
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves are highly dissected, hairy on both surfaces and ovate in outline.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Grayish-green
Leaf shape
Pinnatifid
Leaf margin
Lobed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit is oval, hairy, 2-seeded and has lateral wings. Fruits are called schizocarps. A schizocarp splits into 1-seeded chambers at maturity.
Fruit type
Other
Fruit color
Light brown
The seeds are very similar to those of dill and have papery “wings.â€