A few western counties in Missouri serve as the eastern-most border of Desert Biscuitroot's natural range. It is more common in the west half of the United States. Its yellow flowers appear early in the season along with its edible, fragrant, parsley-like foliage. It grows in dry prairies, glades, and open rocky ground and prefers dry or well-drained soil. Like other members of the parsley family, desert biscuitroot can act as a host plant for swallowtail butterflies.