Desert Parsley Plant Care
Lomatium fusiformis (S.Watson) J.F.Sm. & Mansfield
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lomatium fusiformis, synonym Orogenia fusiformis, is a species of flowering plant in the carrot family. It is known by the common name California Indian potato.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Desert Parsley?
Water Desert Parsley every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Desert Parsley Native To?
What Is the Desert Parsley?
Desert Parsley (Lomatium fusiformis) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Lomatium genus. Desert Parsley is native to the western United States from California to Montana.
Desert Parsley displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Desert Parsley produces small clusters of yellow flowers in umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Desert Parsley?
Lomatium fusiformis requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Desert Parsley Need?
Desert Parsley thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Desert Parsley Prefer?
Lomatium fusiformis grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Desert Parsley prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Desert Parsley?
Well-draining sandy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Desert Parsley to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Desert Parsley?
Feed Desert Parsley every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Desert Parsley?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Desert Parsley?
Desert Parsley can be propagated through seeds, division of roots.
Is the Desert Parsley Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Desert Parsley, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Desert Parsley?
Desert Parsley is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Desert Parsley Need?
Desert Parsley grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Desert Parsley is native to the western United States from California to Montana. In cooler regions, grow Desert Parsley as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Desert Parsley is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lomatium genus — compare its care with other Lomatium species on PlantoScan.
Lomatium is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
Desert Parsley thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lomatium fusiformis (S.Watson) J.F.Sm. & Mansfield, family Apiaceae (first published in Phytotaxa 316(1): 96. 2017 [1 Aug 2017] [epublished]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Desert Parsley, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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