Liliaceae

Chlorogalum pomeridianum

Wavyleaf Soap Plant

Stem upright, slender, bearing many branches. Basal leaves linear, 8–24 in. long, with wavy edges; stem leaves bract-like. Inflorescence consists of many branches with slender flower stalks about same length as width of flower. Flowers open in evening, close early next morning. Flower petals linear, recurving, white with green or purple midvein, stamens purple or yellow with yellow or cream pollen. Grows on bluffs, in grasslands, chaparral, dry woods, below 5000 ft. Similar C. angustifolium, narrow-leaf soap plant, grows in same areas but is smaller, with straight leaf edges, and flower petals do not recurve.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: Early Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 2--8 feet
• Habitat: Meadow, West-Side Forest
• Found In: Siskiyous
• Native: Yes