Toxicoscordion fremontii (Fremont’s Star Lily)

Toxicoscordion fremontii (Fremont’s Star Lily) is a showy perennial that produces an attractive spike of cream colored flowers in early spring to early summer. Born in a branched cluster at the top of a single stem, the flowers, up to 20 per cluster, feature 6 white or cream tepals with conspicuous parallel veins and bright greenish-yellow glands near their center. The flowers give way to green capsules, maturing to a straw color, and containing less than a dozen flattened seeds. The leaves are linear, folded, curved and smaller as they progress up the stem. Flowering is most profuse in the year following a wildfire, declining over time thereafter. Fremont’s Star Lily grows from an underground onion-like bulb. Native to California, southwestern Oregon, and northern Baja California, Toxicoscordion fremontii is a pretty wildflower found on grassy or woody slopes, or rocky outcrops. Fremont’s star lily is a pretty addition to a sunny garden as long as it is allowed to go dormant in early summer and is kept dry (no supplemental water).

• Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm).
• Easily grown in a variety of well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant.
• Great for beds and borders, butterfly gardens.
• Virtually disease and pest free. Deer resistant.
• Propagate by seed. No treatment required, but 2-3 mos. stratification may improve germination.
• All parts, including the flowers, contain highly toxic alkaloids which can cause serious problems if ingested.
• Native to California, southwestern Oregon, and northern Baja California.