Sand Lily, Common starlily
Leucocrinum montanum
Family: Funkiaceae
What it is like
Leucocrinum montanum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Sagebrush desert to open montane forest in sandy to rocky areas in fairly heavy soils that are not swampy.
South-western N. America - Oregon to California.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Root. No more details are given.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 1
A poultice of the pulverized roots has been applied to sores and swellings.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a sunny position in a well-drained but moisture-retentive alkaline soil. Tolerates temperatures down to about -20°c.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe if possible otherwise in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist