California bog asphodel
Narthecium californicum Baker
Narthecium californicum, known as California bog asphodel, is a rhizomatous perennial monocot native to the mountains of southern Oregon and northern California. It thrives in wet habitats such as streambanks and meadows. The plant features an erect stem up to 60 cm tall, with linear, grasslike leaves up to 30 cm long. It produces a raceme of yellow flowers, each with six pointed tepals under a centimeter in length. The fruit is a lance-shaped capsule containing numerous bristle-tailed seeds.
Description
Narthecium californicum, named by Baker in 1876, is a member of the Nartheciaceae family. It is commonly found in wet, high-altitude environments in its native range. The species is characterized by its grasslike leaves and a tall, upright stem. The inflorescence consists of numerous small yellow flowers arranged in a raceme. The plant reproduces via a capsule that releases seeds with bristle-like tails. It is adapted to moist, often boggy conditions and is a perennial species that spreads through rhizomes.
Other common names
California bog-asphodelCalifornia bog asphodel
Distribution
California · Oregon
Synonyms
Narthecium occidentaleNarthecium ossifragum var. occidentaleAbama californicaAbama occidentalis
