False Garlic Nothoscordum sellowianum Play pronunciation

False Crocus is a herbaceous perennial bulb in the onion family, native to the southern United States, Mexico, and parts of South America. In nature, it can often be found growing in open woods, barrens, and prairies. At maturity, it can reach a height of 15 inches and a spread of 9 inches. The plant consists of a loose rosette of 2 to 5 ascending basal leaves, from which a flowering stalk develops. The small, upward-facing, yellow flowers appear in spring and provide an early pollen resource for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The genus name comes from two Greek words meaning "illegitimate" and "garlic". The species name means "having two valves", and refers to the two bracts that surround the flowers before they bloom.

For spring blooms, plant bulbs in late winter to early spring in consistently moist, very well-drained sandy soils in a site with full sun to partial shade. The plant does tolerate dry or rocky soil and does very well in hot climates.

False Crocus spreads easily and can be allowed to naturalize on lawns and other open areas. Although, left to multiply, it can form large colonies.

False Crocus resembles other species in this family, but can be distinguished by the lack of a garlic or onion aroma from its foliage and bulbs and a lack of aerial bulblets in its inflorescence.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests.