''Sanicula arctopoides'' is a species of

sanicle ''Sanicula'' is a genus of plants in Family (biology), family Apiaceae (or Umbelliferae), the same family to which the carrot and parsnip belong. This genus has about 45 species worldwide, with at least 22 in North America.Focus on Rarities (fro ...

known commonly as footsteps of spring, bear's foot sanicle or yellow mats. It is a perennial herb found on the west coast of the United States and Canada, especially near the ocean. The branches are short and thick and may be prostrate or slightly erect. The leaves are yellowish-green and carrot-like or maple-shaped, and the tiny yellow flowers are borne in

umbel In botany, an umbel is an inflorescence that consists of a number of short flower stalks (called pedicels) that spread from a common point, somewhat like umbrella ribs. The word was coined in botanical usage in the 1590s, from Latin ''umbella'' "p ...

s with prominent

bract In botany, a bract is a modified or specialized leaf, especially one associated with a reproductive structure such as a flower, inflorescence axis or cone scale. Bracts are usually different from foliage leaves. They may be smaller, larger, or of ...

s. The plants grow in low matted patches along the ground, resembling "footsteps" of yellow against the background. This is a protected species in some areas.

External links

USDA Plants Profile for ''Sanicula arctopoides'' Calflora: ''Sanicula arctopoides''Jepson Manual Treatment
arctopoides Flora of British Columbia Flora of California Flora of the West Coast of the United States Natural history of the California chaparral and woodlands Flora without expected TNC conservation status {{Apiaceae-stub