Eriospermum, Genus, spp., Multiple species,

Genus
Multiple species

woolseeds

Asparagaceae Sub-Saharan Africa

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Eriospermum is a genus of around 100 species of deciduous tuberous geophytes in the asparagus family, native to sub-Saharan Africa and centred in southern Africa. Each plant grows from a rounded underground tuber and typically sends up a single leaf per season, 2-15 cm (0.8-6 in) long, ranging from flat and heart-shaped to narrow; in some species the leaf surface carries hair-like or branched outgrowths called enations. A slender flowering stem 5-30 cm (2-12 in) tall bears a loose raceme of small star-shaped flowers, usually white or pale yellow. The seeds are covered in white woolly hairs, the feature that gives the genus its common name woolseed. Plants are dormant for much of the year, the tuber resting underground through the dry season. Species grow in grassland, fynbos, and seasonally dry scrub, often appearing after rain. The brief growth period and small single leaf keep the genus inconspicuous outside its flowering window, and tubers rot in wet, poorly drained soil.

Native Range

Eriospermum is native to sub-Saharan Africa, with the greatest diversity in South Africa and extending north through tropical Africa. Species grow in seasonally dry grassland, fynbos, and rocky scrub, following winter or summer rainfall depending on region.

Suggested Uses

Eriospermum is grown by collectors of bulbs and geophytes, in containers, and in dry rockeries in frost-free climates. The enation-bearing leaves of some species are studied in botanical collections. In native grassland the tubers and seed feed local wildlife.

How to Identify

Identify Eriospermum by its single seasonal leaf rising from an underground tuber, sometimes bearing hairy or branched enations on the upper surface. The slender raceme carries small white to pale-yellow star-shaped flowers with six tepals. The woolly-coated seeds distinguish it from other small African geophytes.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2" - 1'

Width/Spread2" - 6"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Flowers: October–February

Spring Summer

Flowering follows the leaf, generally in spring or summer depending on the rainfall pattern of the species; southern African plants often bloom October-February. The small white to yellow flowers open along the raceme over a few weeks. Plants then set woolly seed and return to dormancy.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white to pale yellow

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0 (Neutral)

3579

Soil Types

sand loam rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Eriospermum grows in full sun to light shade in gritty, sharply drained sandy or loamy soils. Plants are watered during their growing season and kept dry through dormancy, when the tuber rests and excess moisture causes rot. A soil pH near 6.0-7.0 suits most species. Cold tolerance is limited, and tubers are damaged by hard frost, so in cool climates plants are grown in containers under cover. Growth is slow, and tubers take several years to reach flowering size from seed. Lifting and dividing is done while dormant.

Pruning

Pruning is not needed. The single leaf and flowering stem are left to die back naturally into the tuber at the end of the growing season, which recharges the storage organ. Spent stems are removed once fully dry.