Desert Lily
Hesperocallis undulata
Desert Lily is one of the most elegant and iconic wildflowers of the Southwestern deserts. Its tall stalks and large, fragrant white blooms rise up from the sand like a mirage, often surprising hikers and travelers during spring bloom years.
Appearance:
A perennial plant that grows from a deep underground bulb. Its narrow, wavy-edged, blue-green leaves emerge close to the ground, while a flowering stalk can reach 1 to 3 feet tall. The trumpet-shaped flowers are white with a touch of green or lavender striping, and they resemble cultivated lilies in size and form.
Habitat:
Found in sandy flats, dunes, and washes. Thrives in well-drained desert soils, especially in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts.
Bloom Time:
Blooms from February to April, depending on rainfall. It’s one of the first large wildflowers to bloom after good winter rains.
Pollinators:
Pollinated by night-flying moths and daytime bees. Its sweet fragrance and white color help it stand out in the evening desert.
Note:
Despite its beauty, Desert Lily is built for survival. Its bulb allows it to wait out dry years underground, reemerging only when the rains are just right. It’s a symbol of resilience and grace in the harshest environments.