SafePlants

Narrowleaf Soap Plant (Chlorogalum angustifolium)

Chlorogalum angustifolium, commonly known as narrowleaf soap plant, is a flowering plant species belonging to the lily family. Other common names include narrow-leaved soaproot and Red Hills soap plant/soaproot.

Considerations for Pets

• The common names, "Soap Plant," "Soaproot," and "Amole," hint at the presence of saponins, which can be irritating if ingested.
• The plant grows from a bulb.
• Some Yucca species (also referred to as soapweed) have narrow leaves with sharp tips. The text mentions these plants when referencing common names similar to Chlorogalum angustifolium.

Considerations for Children

• The common names, "Soap Plant," "Soaproot," and "Amole," hint at the presence of saponins, which can be irritating if ingested.
• The plant grows from a bulb.
• Some Yucca species (also referred to as soapweed) have narrow leaves with sharp tips. The text mentions these plants when referencing common names similar to Chlorogalum angustifolium.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chlorogalum angustifolium Kellogg
• Family: Lily family
• Rank: Species
• Nomenclatural Reference: Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 2: 104. 1863.
• Synonyms: The text mentions a closely related species, Chlorogalum augustifolim (likely a typo for angustifolium), referred to as "narrowleaf soap plant."

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in the inner north Pacific Coast Ranges of California and southern Oregon, and the Sierra Nevada.
• Specifically mentioned in the context of California local plants.
• Also referenced in connection to "Red Hills," possibly indicating a specific region or habitat type.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is described as a perennial herb (bulb).
• The plant has long and narrow leaves that radiate from the base.
• The flowers are delicate and white, growing on a three-foot stalk.
• Similar species C. angustifolium grows in the same areas as other chlorogalum species but is smaller, with straight leaf edges, and flower petals do not recurve.

Ecological Role

• The text suggests it can be considered an "Introduced, Invasive, and Noxious Plant" according to the PLANTS Web site.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions the use of insecticidal soap sprays for aphid control on other plants (milkweed), implying a potential susceptibility to aphids or similar pests, though not directly stated for Chlorogalum angustifolium.

Traditional Uses

• The names "Soap Plant" and "Soaproot" indicate historical use as a soap substitute.
• Native Americans used the plant as soap.

Further Information

• PLANTS Web site
• Discover Life
• Calflora
• The Plant List
• ToL
• BHL
• WikiSpecies
• CalPhotos