Chlorogalum pomeridianum Soap lily (Hyacinthaceae)

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Chlorogalum pomeridianum
Soap lily
(1 Page of 5)

The Chlorogalum pomeridianum plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - California. It is a member of the Hyacinthaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Soap lily. Some home gardeners know the variety as Loathoe pomeridiana.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Chlorogalum pomeridianum
Common Name:  Soap lily
Family:  Hyacinthaceae
Author:  (DC.)Kunth.

Known Hazards:  The bulb contains saponins. Although fairly toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and most of them simply pass straight through. Saponins are found in a number of common foods, including many beans. They are destroyed by thorough cooking[K]. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].

Mature Height:  2   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Dry open hills and plains, occasionally in woods, below 1500 metres[71].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in any reasonably good well-drained soil[1, 42]. Prefers a rich well-drained moisture retentive soil[164]. Tolerates partial shade[164]. Dislikes dry soils according to one report[200] but plants grow in dry soils in the wild[71]. Plants are frost hardy but they come into new growth in the autumn and so need to be grown in a warm sheltered position, especially in colder areas of the country[188]. The bulbs can be damaged by heavy frosts[169]. The roots are brittle so any transplanting should be done with care[169].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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