Scientific Name
Tauschia arguta (Torr. & A. Gray) J. F. Machr.
Family
Apiaceae
General
In this speciose family, several fairly similar species occur in the Santa Monica Mountains. They can be difficult to distinguish without flowers and fruit in hand.
CI
This perennial herb, a member of the parsley/carrot family, grows mostly on north facing slopes, often near the crest line and in the shade of large rocks or cliff faces. The umbells of yellow flowers appear early in the year. Fruits collected from several plants around CI are wingless, indicating Tauschia arguta, instead of the rather similar Lomatium lucidum.
References
See this species on CalFlora.
The Jepson Manual(2012:200, Apiaceae (Umbelliferae), by Lincoln Constance and Margriet Wetherwax).
McAuley (1996:179).
Tauschia arguta on hillside to the south of University Glen, CI. Note the dried umbels (flower heads) from the previous flowing season (1 February 2013).
Tauschia arguta on hillside to the south of University Glen, CI. Note the dried umbels (flower heads) from the previous flowing season (7 February 2013).
Tauschia arguta on hill above entrance area to University Park, CI (2 February 2013).
Taucshia arguta is most often seen growing from fissures in rocks or at the base of rock faces. Here on the hillside to the south of University Glen, CI (5 March 2013).
Tauschia arguta umbel (flower head), on hillside to south of University Glen, CI (1 February 2013).
Tauschia arguta umbel and foliage, hill to the north of Sage Hall, CI (20 February 2013).
Tauschia arguta on hillside above Sage Hall, CI in typical habitat - a shaded site, among large rocks(27 February 2013).
Tauschia arguta on hillside to the south of University Glen, CI(28 March 2013).
Tauschia arguta along top of hill to north east of Sage Hall, CI campus (28 January 2015).
Tauschia arguta along top of hill to north east of Sage Hall, CI campus (28 January 2015).
Tauschia arguta fruits (without wings)from plant on north face, near crest line of hill to south of University Glen(29 May 2014).
Tauschia arguta mature plant with fruits (without wings) on north face, near crest line of hill to south of University Glen(29 May 2014).
Tauschia arguta fruits (without wings)from plant on north face, near crest line of hill to south of University Glen(29 May 2014).