Star Lily or Star Zigadene

Zigadenus Fremontii (LILIACEAE)

Zig-adenus, join and gland, for shape of gland at base of each sepal and petal; fremontii commemorates U.S. explorer John C. Fremont.
The paired or yoked glands at the base of the flower give the plant its generic name. It is named after J.C. Femont, 1813- 1890, soldier, explorer and collector of flowers in the Sierra, Rockies, etc. This plant is one to three feet tall. The basal leaves are one inch wide, and those on the stem, smaller. The stalked white flowers are arranged loosely about the top of the stems.

The plants are found on woody or brushy slopes in Sausalito, Tiburon, Angel Island, Mill Valley, Fairfax, and San Rafael hills.

Widespread: Bd. Ev. For., Chap., Grass

January through July.

Source: Wild Flowers of Marin


Photo copyright 1994 Brother Eric Vogel


-- Michael Paul Thoma

I'd value your comments. Email me at mike@thoma.com

Last updated 30 Dec, 1995.