Hesperocallis undulata

Copyright: Flora of North America Association

Plants 3–18 dm; bulbs ovoid, 4–6 cm. Leaves basal; blade 2–5 dm × 8–15 mm. Racemes 4–18-flowered, 1–3 dm; bracts 1–1.5 cm. Flowers: perianth tube 1.5–2 cm; limb lobes 3–4 cm × 6–10 mm; filaments 2–2.5 cm; anthers golden, 7 mm; pedicel 1 cm. Capsules 12–16 mm. Seeds 5 mm. 2n = 48.

Phenology: Flowering late Feb–May, following infrequent rains.
Habitat: Dry, sandy flats to rocky hills of creosote bush scrub in Mojave and Sonoran deserts
Elevation: 300–800 m

Ariz., Calif., Nev.

Discussion

The large, snowy white flowers of Hesperocallis undulata make it one of the showiest desert species, with consequent horticultural use. Native Americans used the bulbs for food (D. E. Moerman 1986), and the early Spanish colonists called the bulbs ajo, due to the garlic flavor.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa