Chlorogalum pomeridianum (Soap Plant)

Chlorogalum pomeridianum (Soap Plant) is a bulbous perennial forming a basal tuft of light-green, wavy-edged, linear leaves up to 18 in. long (45 cm). Small star-like flowers are borne on a leafless stalk in late spring to late summer. There may be just a few to over 200 flowers per plant. Each flower, 1/2 to 1 in. wide (1-2.5 cm), features six white tepals, each adorned with a green midvein, six yellow-tipped stamens, and a style. They open sequentially from the bottom to the top of the stalk for a long-lasting display. Each flower lasts only one day, opening late afternoon and closing before dawn. Rich in nectar, they attract bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The blossoms are followed by a capsule containing 1 or 2 seeds. The large bulb is covered with persistent, dense fibers. When crushed, the bulb yields soap. Soap Plant is drought-deciduous and usually disappears entirely by late summer. It sprouts new leaves in late fall or winter, and the leaves elongate with warm spring temperatures. Native to California and Oregon, Soap Plant occurs in annual grasslands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodlands, low-elevation conifer forests, and mixed-evergreen forests. It grows on dry, open sites like rocky hillsides, bluffs, and balds. Soap Plant is said to make excellent laundry soap, good shampoo, dish detergent, and bath soap. The brown fiber stripped off the bulb is made into little brushes. Local Native Americans also used the bulb for food.

• Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm).
• Easily grown in a variety of well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. The best flower production is in full sun. Drought tolerant, this plant does not require any water once established.
• Great for beds and borders and butterfly gardens. Best when planted in mass.
• Virtually disease and pest-free. Deer resistant.
• Propagate by seed. It takes about 10 years for a plant to grow from seed to flower.
• Plant the bulbs 4-12 in. deep (10-30 cm).
• Soap Plant is distributed from the southwestern corner of Oregon southward into southern California.
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