Lomatium fusiformis

Tapered-root Orogenia is a glabrous perennial herb that usually has a single leafless stem that is 1-4 cm high and arising from a long, thin taproot and a simple rootcrown beneath the soil surface. The 2-3 basal leaves have petioles and blades that are twice divided into strap-shaped leaflets that are 10-45 mm long and 1-4 mm wide. Tiny, white flowers are borne in a few hemispherical clusters arranged at the ends of 1-2 cm long stalks in an open inflorescence at the top of the stem. Flowers have 5 separate petals surmounting an ovary that matures into a glabrous, elliptical fruit that is 3-4 mm long with obscure ridges on the outer face.

The small size, white flowers, and globose root distinguish this species from other members of the family in our area. The small size and early spring maturity make this plant difficult to detect.