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wavyleaf soap plant

Scientific Name: Chlorogalum pomeridianum var. pomeridianum

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 interesting plant with a rich history and diverse uses.

Considerations for Pets

  • The bulb of Chlorogalum pomeridianum contains saponins.

Considerations for Children

  • The bulb of Chlorogalum pomeridianum contains saponins.

Common Names

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

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chlorogalum pomeridianum (DC.) Kunth
  • Family: Hyacinthaceae (formerly in Lily/Liliaceae and Century Plant/Agavaceae families)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonym: Loathoe pomeridiana
  • Species Code (USDA Plants Database): CHPO3

Distribution and Habitat

  • Chlorogalum pomeridianum is native to southwestern Oregon, northwestern California, and the central part of California.
  • It grows wild in dry, rocky hillsides, such as those north and west of Palomar College.
  • It is often found in coastal sage scrub, an endangered plant community.

Ecological Role

  • The plant is considered native.
  • It is listed on the PLANTS Web site under "Introduced, Invasive, and Noxious Plants." This suggests it may be considered invasive in some regions.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • The stem is upright and slender, bearing many branches.
  • Basal leaves are linear, 8-24 inches long, with wavy edges.
  • It features delicate, star-like, white flowers in a large, openly branched cluster.
  • Flowers bloom in the evening and typically last only one night.

Quirky Facts

  • Native Americans crushed the bulbs and added water to produce a type of soap.
  • The hairs on the large bulb were used to make brushes for winnowing.

Traditional Uses

  • Native Ohlone used the Wavy-Leaf Soap Root plant for a variety of purposes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The evening-blooming flowers are pollinated at night.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CHPO3
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Discover Life
  • CalPhotos