Liliaceae

Veratrum californicum

California Corn Lily

Large erect plant with many large leaves. Emerging plant large with tight clasping point. Leaves alternate, mature to 8–15 in. long, oval, parallel veins with few curly hairs on lower surface. Inflorescence is a dense panicle, flowers on spreading to upward-pointing branches at top. Flowers are small white or greenish white open stars without teeth. Grows in streambanks, moist meadows, sometimes in large patches, at 3200–11,000 ft. Can be confused with V. viride, green corn lily, with greenish flowers in a loose panicle with drooping side branches. All Veratrum are poisonous to humans and cattle.

• Rarity: Common
• Flowering Time: Mid Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 3--6 feet
• Habitat: Meadow, Vernal Wet, Subalpine
• Found In: Olympic Np, Mt. Rainier Np
• Native: Yes