Spring Gold (Lomatium utriculatum) occurs across a wide range of Pacific coast habitats, including dry meadows, open woodlands, sagebrush steppe, and rocky bluffs. Spring Gold is well-adapted to dry, arid conditions and most often found in areas with full sun exposure, where it persists as a spring ephemeral. The small rosettes of finely divided, feathery leaves begin to grace the landscape in fall, while the wide, flat clusters of bright yellow flowers (umbels) signal the height of spring. 
 
Spring Gold typically blooms from late spring to early summer, with its peak bloom occurring from May to June. Bees, bumblebees, syrphid flies, and solitary wasps can all be seen ambling about the golden little umbels for the visibly abundant nectar, and the species also serves as a host plant for the Anise Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio zelicaon). As with many members of the carrot family (Apiaceae), small beetles also play an important role in pollination by utilizing the umbels for both feeding and mating platforms, where they leisurely move from flower to flower seeking mates and nectar. Additionally, the plant produces seeds that are consumed by a variety of small mammals and birds, further contributing to the overall ecological food web. 
 
Native peoples in the western United States historically utilized the roots for medicinal purposes. The roots were believed to possess healing properties and were used to treat various ailments, including respiratory conditions and digestive issues. 
 
Spring Gold prefers well-drained soils, including sandy or rocky soils. Seeds require a period of cold stratification to germinate and should be surface sown in the fall or late winter and lightly covered with sand. Due to the ephemeral nature and deep, initially fragile seedling taproots, seeds should either be sown in place, or in deep cells and transplanted in the fall. Spring Gold requires dry summer dormancy, and watering should be reduced to once monthly (if no rain occurs) when leaves begin to yellow after blooming. Plants will bloom in their 2nd or 3rd year.