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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Hesperocallis undulata Gray
Ajo lily, Desert lily, Desert-lily
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
USDA Symbol: heun2
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A rosette of long, narrow, blue-green leaves with undulating margins appears a month or so before the foot-high flowering stem which bears large, white, trumpet-shaped flowers resembling Easter lilies. Large, white, funnel-shaped flowers bloom in a stout raceme above long, narrow, basal leaves with wavy edges.
Conspicuous and easily seen as one drives desert roads, it seems at first glance an Easter Lily out of place. The bulbs of this species, the only one in its genus, were once used by Indians for food.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Mar , Apr
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , NVNative Distribution: S.w. AZ, s.e. CA & adjacent Mex.
Native Habitat: Dry, sandy flats; deserts, gentle slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Description: Pebbly or sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: Spring flowers appear only after wet winters.
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Hesperocallis undulata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Hesperocallis undulata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Hesperocallis undulata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff
