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Lilaeopsis occidentalis (Western grasswort)
Copyright © 2006
Mary Jo Adams
At first glance, western grasswort looks like a patch of Astroturf lying along a beach or in a salt marsh. A closer look will reveal bladelike hollow leaves 1-6 inches in height, each having 5-11 transverse partitions giving them a jointed appearance. This plant blooms June-August and has tiny white flowers clustered 5-12 on umbels and hidden from sight near the base of the leaves. This uncommon species, native in the Pacific Northwest, is a member of the carrot family* and ranges from California to Alaska. It is also referred to as common lilaeopsis.
* The carrot family is also known as the parsley family. Although many plants in this family are edible, there are also some that are deadly poisons. This website does not advocate use of any wild plants for consumption or medicinal uses.
This
page was created by Mary Jo Adams on 9/3/06.
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