Veratrum californicum
corn lily
Overview
Veratrum californicum is a stout, erect herbaceous perennial in the Melanthiaceae, growing 3-6.5 feet (1-2 m) tall on a thick, unbranched stem from a short rhizome. The large oval leaves, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long, are strongly ribbed and pleated like those of a corn plant, clasping the stem and arranged up the stalk. In mid- to late summer the stem ends in a dense, branched panicle 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) long packed with star-shaped flowers, each about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, white to greenish-white with a green center. The flowers form three-lobed capsules holding flat, winged seeds. It grows in wet mountain meadows, seeps, stream banks, and marshy ground in the mountains of western North America, often in large stands. All parts contain steroidal alkaloids that are highly toxic to people and livestock if eaten, affecting the heart and nervous system; the plant also contains cyclopamine, which can cause severe birth defects in grazing animals. Plants emerge early as the snow melts, flower irregularly from year to year, and die back by late summer. It needs constantly wet, cool soil and fails in dry or warm sites.
Native Range
Native to the mountains of western North America, from Washington and Montana south through California to New Mexico and into northern Mexico. It grows in wet subalpine and montane meadows, seeps, and along streams.Suggested Uses
Veratrum californicum is used in bog gardens, pond and stream margins, and wet native plantings where its bold, pleated foliage and tall flower spikes add vertical structure. It suits cool, wet, mountain-style gardens. Its toxicity limits its use where children, pets, or grazing animals are present.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'6"
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Star-shaped white to greenish flowers open in mid- to late summer, roughly June to August depending on elevation. Flowering varies from year to year, with heavy bloom only in some seasons. Three-lobed seed capsules follow in late summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to greenishFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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