West Coast Snakelilies (Dichelostemma)

More Flower Resources Types of Lilies Flower Power

Snakelilies are a genus (Dichelostemma) of native West Coast flowering plants in the lily family (Liliaceae) generally characterized by multiple blooms on a thin, single stem.

Each of the six species has a name, however, with the exception of the firecracker flowers, a June and July red bloomer, flower appearance varies only slightly.

They flowers come in shades of red and purple, with the purple flowering plants like the one in the top picture, sometimes collectively called either bluedicks or ookow, depending on location. The top picture probably shows the ookow, (Dichelostemma congestum) the more common Pacific Northwest purple snakelily.

Most of the species grow in meadows and around open woodland areas from late spring through early summer.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels