Bulbine semibarbata
Leek lily, Leek Lily
(c) Greg Tasney, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Asphodelaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Bulbine semibarbata (Leek lily) is a non-native California herb in the Asphodelaceae family, recognized by Recent Australian introduction with very limited distribution in coastal California.
Leek lily is a naturalized perennial found in the Carmel Highlands and Cambria coastal regions, growing in roadsides and disturbed areas at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering in spring, this plant produces bright yellow flowers with radial symmetry, approximately 7 millimeters long, featuring distinctive inner petals with bearded filaments. Growing 10 to 45 centimeters tall with fibrous roots, it has linear, somewhat cylindrical and fleshy leaves that provide a slender, grass-like appearance. Its leaves are thin and succulent, emerging in a simple, upright form characteristic of its adaptable nature. The plant produces dry, spherical fruits containing two seeds per chamber, reflecting its resilient reproductive strategy.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Recent Australian introduction with very limited distribution in coastal California
Habitat and range
Habitat: Roadsides, other disturbed areas
Elevation: < 100 m
Outside California: Australia
Bloom period
Bulbine semibarbata blooms Spring.
How to tell it apart
vs Plantago: Bulbine has showy yellow flowers; Plantago has tiny greenish flowers in dense brown spikes.; vs Asphodeline: Bulbine flowers are widely spaced on simple stalks; Asphodeline flowers are densely packed in thick, club-like spikes.; vs Acmispon: Bulbine has star-shaped 6-petaled flowers; Acmispon has pea-shaped flowers with irregular petals.; vs Echeandia: Bulbine has fuzzy stamens visible in flower center; Echeandia has smooth stamens and more delicate flowers.; vs Carpobrotus: Bulbine has small flowers on tall stalks; Carpobrotus has huge daisy-like flowers sitting on succulent ground-hugging mats.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bulbine semibarbata native to California?
No. Bulbine semibarbata is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Bulbine semibarbata bloom?
Bulbine semibarbata blooms Spring.
What plant family does Bulbine semibarbata belong to?
Bulbine semibarbata is in the Asphodelaceae family, genus Bulbine.
What habitat does Bulbine semibarbata grow in?
Bulbine semibarbata grows in Roadsides, other disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.