Scientific Name
Daucus pusillus Michx.
Family
Apiaceae
General
Widespread along the west coast from British Columbia to Baja California. McAuley (1996) relates that Spanish colonists called this plant yerba de vibora (rattlesnake weed) as it was used to treat rattlesnake bites. Small carrot-like root is edible.
CI
This diminutive member of the carrot/parsley family is found in variety of habitats around CI, often in open, sunny spots. It flowers as early as March.
References
See this species on CalFlora.
The Jepson Manual (2012:200, Apiaceae (Umbelliferae), by Lincoln Constance and Margriet Wetherwax).
McAuley (1996:174).
Daucus pusillus at top of hill above University Park entrance area, CI, flowers gone, fruits formed (15 April 2013).
Daucus pusillus at top of hill above University Park entrance area, CI (15 April 2013).
Daucus pusillus at top of hill above University Park entrance area, showing fruits (15 April 2013).
Daucus pusillus at top of hill above University Park entrance area, CI, showing flowers (15 April 2013).
Daucus pusillus at top of hill above University Park entrance area, CI, in flower (15 April 2013).
Daucus pusillus at top of hill above University Park entrance area, CI, in flower (15 April 2013).
Daucus pusillus flowering at top of hill above University Park entrance area, CI (15 April 2013).
Daucus pusillus flowering at top of hill above University Park entrance area, CI (15 April 2013).
Daucus pusillus west face of hill, near stone chimney to west of Aliso Hall, CI campus (2 May 2014).