Chlorogalum pomeridianum

$6.60$8.50

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Soap plant

Soap plant is a bulb that grows 2′ tall by 2′ wide.

It is a superb plant for evening flowers since the flowers only open late in the day or when it is very overcast.

For a dramatic effect, plant in a meadow garden where it will go dormant during summer and fall.

This easy to grow bulb has 2′ tall spikes of small white flowers that bloom from May-August.

Bulbs were an important food source for Native Americans and may be eaten when roasted.

Lifeform: Perennial

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade

Water: Dry, Light

Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand

Other: Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies, Drought Tolerant

Container

Bulb, D-16-O, 1-Gal, 1-GalS, 4", D-16, D-16S

Ecological Value

The plant and roots are eaten by many small mammals, including ground squirrels and rabbits. The flowers provide summertime food for a variety of insects

Historical Uses

Soap plant was traditionally used by many California Native American tribes and early settlers. The bulb can be boiled and then eaten like a potato and was also crushed and used as soap for clothes an

Distribution

native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America.

Elevation

Between 0 and 5000 feet

Communities
Habitat

Grassy road banks, open meadows, and slopes.