Libertia formosa
Showy libertia
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Family: Iridaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Libertia formosa (Showy libertia) is a non-native California herb in the Iridaceae family, recognized by Chilean garden escape; very limited establishment in urban coastal areas.
Showy libertia is a naturalized perennial found in the San Francisco Bay Area in disturbed urban and coastal areas at elevations below 50 meters. Flowering in March, this plant produces white flowers with white outer perianth parts less than 10 millimeters long and inner spreading petals 12 to 18 millimeters long. Growing with tall stems 60 to 125 centimeters in height, it has an upright, robust form. Its basal leaves are 15 to 45 centimeters long and 5 to 15 millimeters wide, emerging in a distinctive clump-like arrangement. The fruit is spherical and approximately 6 millimeters wide.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Chilean garden escape; very limited establishment in urban coastal areas
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Disturbed urban, coastal areas
Elevation: < 50 m
Outside California: native to Chile
Bloom period
Libertia formosa blooms Mar.
Frequently asked questions
Is Libertia formosa native to California?
No. Libertia formosa is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Libertia formosa bloom?
Libertia formosa blooms Mar.
What plant family does Libertia formosa belong to?
Libertia formosa is in the Iridaceae family, genus Libertia.
What habitat does Libertia formosa grow in?
Libertia formosa grows in Uncommon. Disturbed urban, coastal 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.