SafePlants

Purple Amole (Chlorogalum purpureum)

Chlorogalum purpureum, commonly known as purple amole, is a flowering plant species related to agaves. It is also referred to as Santa Lucia purple amole.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chlorogalum purpureum
• Common Names: Purple Amole, Santa Lucia purple amole
• Family: Liliaceae (Lily) / Agavaceae (mentioned as well, likely a historical classification)
• Rank: Species, Variety
• Synonyms: Element Code: PMLIL0G051
• Varieties:
  • Chlorogalum purpureum var. purpureum
  • Chlorogalum purpureum Brandegee var. purpureum
  • Chlorogalum purpureum var. reductum

Distribution and Habitat

Purple amole is endemic to central California, particularly the Coast Ranges. It has been monitored at Fort Hunter Liggett, California.

Conservation Status

The purple amole is listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and is classified as threatened in California. It is on the U.S. Endangered Species List. Critical habitat has been designated for two varieties.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a bulbous, perennial herb.
• It has a basal rosette of leaves.
• It produces bluish-purple flowers.
• Flowers feature slender perianth parts that are recurved, deep blue to purple, and 5-7 mm long.
• Pedicels are 4-10 mm long, generally longer than the flowers.
• Plant Type: Perennial, Bulb.
• Flowers: yellow, purple / violet.
• Flowering Time: Spring.
• A non-woody plant, a forb/herb.

Ecology

The purple amole is a unique part of central California's oak woodland and grassland ecosystems.

Further Information

• Information on the purple amole and its habitat comes from the Proposed Designation of Critical Habitat for the Purple Amole, November 8.
• CDFW BIOS GIS Dataset, Contact: Kirk Waln.
• California Academy of Sciences.