Desert Lily
Hesperocallis undulata
New leaves appear above ground by January in years with adequate moisture. They may grow in this vetegtative state for several years without blooming. A Wikimedia Image.
PERENNIAL HERB: Generally can only be seen in early to mid spring.
Underground bulb remains dormant through hot and dry seasons, sometimes for
years at a time, producing leaves and flowers only when desert rains finally
soak the ground bringing favorable conditions.
LEAVES: Strap shaped, gray-green leaves are rather fleshy and the
margins are wavy. The leaves are clustered at the soil surface.
RANGE: Southwestern Arizona, southeast California, northwest Mexico in
areas with fairly deep sandy or loamy soil.
STEMS: The solitary flowering stalk may reach almost a meter tall.
FRUIT: Pods with three valve-sections.
FLOWERS: Three sepals and three petals alike, appearing as six white
perianth segments. Borne on tall spikes with one to three opening each day.
UNARMED.
Sponsored Links:
Liliaceae -- Lily Family
More Information:
- Jepson Manual
- USDA Plant Profile
- Firefly Forest (Tucson)
- Google Images
- Google Scholar Literature Search
See also More Photos by Gena Zolotar.