Bulbine semibarbata

Leek lily, Leek Lily

Family: Asphodelaceae · Type: perennial · Not Native

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.

Habitat: Roadsides, other disturbed areas

Bloom period: Spring

Elevation: < 100 m

Bioregions: CCo (Carmel Highlands, Cambria)

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.