Lisaea (plant)

Lisaea is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae (celery family). They are native to western North America, with species found in California, Oregon, Washington, and potentially extending into British Columbia.

Lisaea species are typically annual herbs characterized by their delicate, often lacy foliage and umbels of small, white or yellowish flowers. The plants generally thrive in dry, open habitats such as grasslands, chaparral, and rocky slopes.

Key characteristics of Lisaea include:

• Habit: Annual herbs
• Leaves: Finely dissected, often appearing fern-like.
• Inflorescence: Compound umbels, which are clusters of flowers arranged in a radiating pattern.
• Flowers: Small, white or yellowish.
• Fruit: Dry schizocarps that split into two one-seeded mericarps.

The taxonomy of Lisaea has been subject to some revisions, and the exact number of species included in the genus may vary depending on the source. Further research may be needed to fully clarify the relationships within the genus and its distinguishing features.