About Hesperocallis undulata A.Gray
Hesperocallis undulata A.Gray grows from an ovoid bulb and produces 2 to 3 leaves. The leaves are linear-lanceolate, have ruffled edges, and measure 20–40 cm long by 1–1.5 cm wide. Bracts are ovate and 1–1.5 cm long. Pedicels are 1 cm long. Many flowers are arranged on an inflorescence that reaches 10–30 cm in length. Flowers are white and funnel-shaped, with a blue-green or silver-gray band running across the middle of the outer surface of the petals. The rigid seed capsule is 1.5 cm long, and the seeds inside measure 0.5 cm long. This species occurs on sand flats and dunes in desert regions of southwestern North America. Its distribution includes Baja California and Sonora in northwestern Mexico, and California, Nevada, and Arizona in the United States. It grows in the Mojave Desert, Colorado Desert, and Sonoran Desert. Bulbs of this plant can grow up to 60 cm below the soil surface. It is pollinated by sphinx moths, and blooms from February through May. Native peoples eat the bulbs of this plant, commonly known as the desert lily.
