SafePlants

Dianella caerulea: Cerulean Flax-lily

Dianella caerulea, commonly known as the blue flax-lily, blueberry lily, or paroo lily, is a perennial herb belonging to the family Xanthorrhoeaceae.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant produces berries.

Considerations for Children

• The plant produces berries.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Dianella caerulea
• Common Names: Blue flax-lily, blueberry lily, paroo lily, cerulean flax-lily, flax lily, blueberry plant.
• Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
• Subfamily: Hemerocallidoideae (mentioned in relation to Dianella ensata)
• Synonyms/Alternative Scientific Names: Dianella ensifolia (L.) DC., Dianella nemerosa Lam., Dianella robusta Elm., Dracaena ensifolia Linnaeus, Dianella ensata

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Australia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
• Widely distributed within Australia.
• Found in locations such as Highlands Hammock State Park in Florida and the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, North Carolina.
• Also present in Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa).

Ecological Role

• Considered an invasive plant in some regions, such as Highlands Hammock State Park in Florida. Forms dense mats on the forest floor.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Evergreen perennial.
• Grows to approximately 0.8 meters (2ft 7in) in height and 0.3 meters (1ft) wide.
• Rhizomatous soft-wooded perennial.
• Has unique, narrow, blue-green, strap-shaped leaves (in the case of Dianella caerulea 'King Alfred').
• Produces mature fruit in the form of bright blue berries.

Cultivation

• Hardy to zone (UK) 9, and hardiness zones 9-11.
• In leaf from January 12th.
• Flowers from May to July.
• Prefers warm, low sun to dappled light.
• Requires soil that dries out between waterings.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Known as "Snake Whistle" by Aboriginal Australians (Australia).

Resources and Further Information

• Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System Data and Maps
• Discover Life