Leucocrinum montanum
common starlily
Overview
Leucocrinum montanum is a low, stemless perennial wildflower of the asparagus family native to dry plains, sagebrush steppe, and open pine forest of the western United States. It grows from a deep, fleshy root cluster, producing a basal tuft of narrow, grass-like leaves 2-8 inches (5-20 cm) long and about 0.1-0.2 inch (2-5 mm) wide. In spring the plant bears white, six-tepaled, star-shaped flowers 0.8-1.2 inch (2-3 cm) across, each on a slender perianth tube that emerges at ground level so the blooms appear to rest directly on the soil. The flowers are fragrant and open in clusters of several from the crown. The seed capsule develops underground, an adaptation to the exposed, arid habitat. Foliage and flowers die back by early summer as the plant enters dormancy, leaving no above-ground trace for most of the year, which limits its garden presence to a short spring display. It is slow to establish from its deep roots and difficult to move once mature. In cultivation it is grown in rock gardens, dryland and native plantings, and meadow restorations on well-drained soils in full sun.
Native Range
Native to the western United States, from the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains west to the Great Basin and California, in states including Montana, Colorado, Oregon, and New Mexico. It grows on dry plains, sagebrush steppe, and open coniferous forest.Suggested Uses
Used in rock gardens, dryland and native-plant gardens, and steppe or meadow restoration on well-drained sites. Its early bloom suits naturalistic spring plantings among low grasses.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 8"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Bloom Information
White fragrant flowers open in spring, mainly April to June, soon after snowmelt. Several blooms emerge in succession from each crown. Flowering lasts only a few weeks before the plant goes dormant.
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