Asparagus Family – Asparagaceae
Actual flower size: 1 inch long
Cluster Lily is also called Ookow, Forktooth Ookow, or Ball-head Cluster Lily. Former Latin name was Brodiaea congesta.
Plant Description: Cluster Lily has a flowering stem that is up to 4 feet tall with a tight, 2 inch, ball-like cluster of 6 to 15 flowers at the top. It has 2 or 3 flattened, grass-like leaves that are nearly as long as the flower stem, have a keel on the lower side, and remain green during blooming
Flower Description: The 6, 1 inch-long, lavender tepals are rounded at the ends and spread widely from a cup-shaped tube. There are 3 fertile stamens with broad filaments attached almost to the anthers. The 3 staminoids are also attached almost to the anthers tips, which are divided, like a two teeth.
Ecology: Cluster Lily grows in open grassy, somewhat rocky areas at lower elevations.
Note: Cluster Lily has been moved from the Lily Family to the Asparagus Family. See “APG Changes” page
Cluster Lily Photo Gallery