There are quite a few wildflowers in North America with the common name Spring Gold…consequently, many folks refer to this plant using one of its scientific names, “Lomatium”.
The small plant is all over the overlook at the top of the Baker Preserve Trail right now. It also grows at lower elevations in sunny, open areas along the west side of the island. Hard to miss the bright, canary yellow flower and dark green, fern-like leaf. It is a member of the carrot family AKA parsley family.
After the flower there will be striped seeds…lots of them…and they stand out too. The seeds seem to stay on the stems most of the winter and add a little interest to the barren winter groundscape.
The Lomatium clan is huge with over 80 types in the western States. Ours is one of the few that does not prefer the drier east side of the Cascades.
Lomatium has a long history of use as an expectorant by both Native Americans and pioneers who employed it to treat respiratory problems and colds.
This specimen was photographed May 15th on Lummi Mountain.
Dal Neitzel