The Desert Lily of the American Southwest
Hesperocallis Undulata is Among Most Beautiful of Desert Wildflowers
Mar 9, 2009
The desert lily (Hesperocallis undulata) is one of the most beautiful of the desert wildflowers indigenous to the deserts of California, Arizona and Nevada. Depending on its location and, more importantly, the rain, temperature and wind, the desert lily may bloom anywhere between late February and early May, and it is during this time that finding one is well worth the effort.
Discovery and Naming of the Desert Lily
The desert lily is a perennial, and it is the only species in the genus Hesperocallis, which translates roughly from the Greek as “west beauty.” It was named in 1867 by Asa Gray from a specimen collected in Arizona during the U.S.-Mexican Boundary Survey (1860-1861).
Desert Lily Taxonomy and Characteristics
There is some disagreement about the family in which it belongs. While it has long been included in the lily (Liliaceae), it is most likely more akin to agave and, hence, should be in the family Agavaceae based on molecular data published by Pires et al in 2004. Some still place it in the family Hesperocallidaceae as the only genus in the family. The desert lily is also frequently listed as belonging to the family Asparagaceae.
The desert lily is a monocot with hermaphrodic flowers which are pollinated by insects. It is commonly found in sandy, well-drained soils in full sunlight, although it is also common on low angle slopes of loose rubble. The bulb itself is often two feet deep in the soil.
Desert Lily Identification
To positively identify the desert lily, look for characteristic long, thin, narrow leaves that appear wavy or undulating (hence the scientific name undulata). While the leaves usually present as such, it is possible for an individual specimen to display thicker leaves with straight edges. The stem of the desert lily may be one to three feet in height, and as many as 20 buds may be present with only a few open at any one time. The flower itself looks a lot like an Easter lily. Look for six petals—three interior and three exterior.
The only other flower with which the desert lily might be confused is the dune evening primrose (Oenothera deltoides). Aside from the cursory similarities between the large white flowers of these two plants, they are actually quite distinct. The dune evening primrose, for examples, possesses four petals and relatively short, broad leaves.
The desert lily was used as a food source by the indigenous people. It was eaten raw or oven pit baked. The Spanish called it ajo, since the taste is said to be similar to garlic.
Where to Find the Desert Lily
The desert lily is quite common in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in southeastern California, where park visitors can readily find it blooming in late February and throughout March. Try Coyote Canyon north of Di Giorgio Road or along S22 in the vicinity of Arroyo Salado on the eastern side of the Park.
The desert lily can also be observed throughout much of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
