Description

The soaproot is one of California’s most widespread and hardiest geophytes (plants with underground structures for storing energy). It occurs in mountainous and coastal settings throughout much of the state. In late winter, long narrow leaves emerge from the bulb. These arch somewhat, reminiscent of the leaves on a cornstalk. With age the leaves become more numerous and slightly larger until they reach a mature size of about two feet in length and three inches in width. In the summer, long panicles of flower buds rise to six feet or so. The white blooms open in the evening a few at a time, beginning with the base of the panicle and proceeding to the axial tip on successive evenings. The flowers are particularly attractive to bumble bees here in San Jose. The soaproot thrives in a variety of soils and can be grown in full sun to partial shade. As with all geophytes from dry habitats, soaproot must be kept dry during the dry season.