Hesperocallis is a monotypic genus with the single species, Hesperocallis undulata. Originally considered to belong to Liliaceae, APG II included it in its own family, Hesperocallidaceae or in a broader Asparagaceae. Some taxonomists are now suggesting a better placement is in Agavaceae. It is an erect perennial with onion odor from deep seated, tunicated bulbs, with glaucous leaves and straight stout stems. Found in sandy flats of creosote brush desert scrub in some of the most arid regions of North America (deserts of southeastern California, Baja California and Sonora, Mexico, and southwesten Arizona), it flowers only after infrequent rains. Flowers are large, white with a silver or green midstripe and are fragrant. Because this "Desert Lily" is very beautiful, people want to grow it and it does seem to be easy to germinate seed in late winter. Growing it on to blooming size seems another matter. It is important to keep the seedlings in growth and not allow them to go dormant. Once plants go dormant getting them to break dormancy is a challenge. Even a few who have gotten them to come into growth again have not had success in getting plants to bloom. How to grow this plant is a recurring topic of the pbs list. If anyone ever gets it to bloom in cultivation and reports how they did it, we will add their techniques.
Hesperocallis undulata "I took while we were going through the desert in late January. It was early, but the bloom was just beginning in places. These pictures were taken in the scenic area between Salton Sea and Borrego Springs, probably less than 10 miles west of the Salton Sea". Photos by Jamie Boothe
The following photos were taken by John Longanecker April 1, 2005 near Baker in the Mojave Desert preserve and near 29 Palms, CA. Note the variation in the grey streak on the petals.
