Pancratium maritimum
Sea daffodil
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Family: Amaryllidaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Pancratium maritimum (Sea daffodil) is a non-native California herb in the Amaryllidaceae family, recognized by Extremely localized Mediterranean introduction in coastal dunes.
Sea daffodil is a naturalized perennial found in southern California coastal regions, specifically on the El Segundo Dunes near Los Angeles International Airport at elevations below 10 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces white flowers with a distinctive crown extending above the perianth parts. Growing with glaucous stems and leaves, it reaches moderate height with a distinctive bluish-green appearance. Its leaves are broad and somewhat fleshy, typical of coastal dune environments. The fruit is nearly spherical with subtly triangular cross-sections, reflecting its adaptation to the challenging coastal landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Extremely localized Mediterranean introduction in coastal dunes
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal dunes
Elevation: < 10 m
Outside California: southern Europe
Bloom period
Pancratium maritimum blooms Jun-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Leucojum: Pancratium has a central crown with protruding stamens; Leucojum has simple bell flowers with no crown and green petal tips.; vs Amaryllis: Pancratium has white flowers with stamens fused to a crown; Amaryllis has pink flowers with free stamens curving outward.; vs Narcissus: Pancratium stamens stick out prominently beyond the crown like flags; Narcissus stamens stay tucked inside the trumpet.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pancratium maritimum native to California?
No. Pancratium maritimum is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Pancratium maritimum bloom?
Pancratium maritimum blooms Jun-Jul.
What plant family does Pancratium maritimum belong to?
Pancratium maritimum is in the Amaryllidaceae family, genus Pancratium.
What habitat does Pancratium maritimum grow in?
Pancratium maritimum grows in Coastal dunes.
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.