No images found for this plant ID: 2077.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "2077" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
blue funnel lily
Scientific Name: Androstephium caeruleum
Family: Liliaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Androstephium coeruleum: Blue Funnel-Lily
Androstephium coeruleum, commonly known as blue funnel-lily, is a captivating herbaceous perennial celebrated for its delicate light blue to violet-purple flowers.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant grows from corms, which are underground storage organs.
- The plant is characterized by its basal, grass-like leaves.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Androstephium coeruleum (Scheele) Greene
- Common Names: Blue funnel-lily, Fragrant Lily, Funnel-flower
- Family: Liliaceae (Lily Family), also referenced as Alliaceae.
- Synonyms: A. violaceum, Bessera caeruleum, Androstephium caeruleum (orthographic variant). Note that other species like Androstephium breviflorum exist.
- Kingdom: Plantae
Distribution and Habitat
- The blue funnel-lily is native to specific regions including deserts of Arizona and Utah.
- It thrives in prairies and grassy habitats, particularly black land prairie.
Morphological Characteristics
- This perennial grows from corms.
- It features leafless flowering stalks (scapes) arising from the bulb, typically solitary, glabrous, and waxy green.
- The plant has basal, grass-like leaves, usually 5 or 6 in number.
- Flowers are light blue to violet-purple, with tepals that are typically baby blue or lavender, and sometimes white. They are funnel-shaped.
- The fruit is uncommon in its natural habitat.
Quirky Facts
- The blue funnel-lily blooms in early spring, and the color of the blooms can vary greatly.
- Although the plant can tolerate temperatures a few degrees below zero, fruit is uncommon in its habitat.
Further Information
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
- Discover Life
- Dave's Garden