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wavyleaf soap plant

Scientific Name: Chlorogalum pomeridianum var. divaricatum

Family: Liliaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Chlorogalum pomeridianum: Wavyleaf Soap Plant

Chlorogalum pomeridianum, commonly known as the wavyleaf soap plant, California soaproot, or Amole, is a widespread and recognizable member of the soap plant family.

Considerations for Pets

  • The bulb of Chlorogalum pomeridianum contains saponins.

Considerations for Children

  • The bulb of Chlorogalum pomeridianum contains saponins.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Chlorogalum pomeridianum (DC.) Kunth
  • Family: Formerly Agavaceae (Century Plant Family), formerly in Lily Family (Liliiaceae) , now Hyacinthaceae.
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonym: Loathoe pomeridiana

Common Names

  • Amole
  • California Soaproot
  • Soap Lily
  • Soap Plant
  • Soaproot
  • Wavyleaf Soap Plant
  • Dwarf Soaproot
  • Indian Soap Root

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found from southwestern Oregon and northwestern California to central California.
  • Grows wild in dry, rocky hillsides, such as those north and west of Palomar College.
  • Often found in coastal sage scrub, an endangered plant community.

Ecological Role

  • May be considered invasive in some regions. Check local resources for current status.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Stem is upright and slender, bearing many branches.
  • Basal leaves are linear, ranging from 8 to 24 inches in length, characterized by wavy edges.
  • Delicate, star-like, white flowers grow in a large, freely and openly branched cluster.

Traditional Uses

  • Native Americans crushed the bulbs and added water to produce a soapy substance.
  • The Native Ohlone used the wavyleaf soap root for a variety of purposes.
  • Hairs on large bulb were used to make brushes to winnow.

Quirky Facts

  • The flowers of Chlorogalum pomeridianum typically only last for one night.

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS Database: Species code CHPO3.
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Discover Life