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Chlorogalum pomeridianum
wavy-leafed soap plant
Overview
Chlorogalum pomeridianum is a bulb-forming perennial growing from a large, fibrous-coated bulb 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) long buried deep in the soil. In late winter and spring it produces a basal rosette of long, narrow leaves 8-28 inches (20-70 cm) long with strongly wavy margins. From late spring into summer it sends up a branched flowering stalk 3-9 feet (0.9-2.7 m) tall bearing many small white flowers, each with six petals striped green to purple down the center. The flowers open in late afternoon and evening, each lasting a single night and pollinated by evening insects. Leaves wither as the stalk elongates, and the whole plant dies back to the bulb by midsummer. Dry capsules with black seeds follow. The plant grows slowly from seed, taking several years to reach flowering size. The bulb fibers and pulp have long been used as soap and the crushed bulb as a fish poison.
Native Range
Native to the western United States, mainly California and Oregon, with scattered populations in Baja California. Grows on dry, open hillsides, grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodland in well-drained soils, from sea level to about 5,000 feet (1,500 m).Suggested Uses
Planted in native, dry-meadow, and habitat gardens and on dry slopes at 18-24 inch (45-60 cm) spacing. The evening flowers draw moths and other night pollinators, suiting it to wildlife and naturalized plantings. Deep bulbs and summer dormancy make it suited to undisturbed sites rather than regularly watered beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 9'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowers open from May through July, depending on elevation and rainfall. Each flower opens in late afternoon or evening and lasts a single night, with new flowers opening in sequence over several weeks. Evening insects carry the pollen. The flowering stalk keeps opening blooms as it elongates.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight