Scientific Family
Liliaceae
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
3 to 7 feet
Riparian
Yes
Young stout stems later branch into tall fern-like growth. Male and female plants produce flowers. Only the female plant produces fruit (red berries). Male plants produce only spears.
Dioecious perennial herb with tuberous roots and a much branched stem. Leaves are reduced to scales. Fern-like appearance.
Habitat
Fields, fence rows, roadsides, riparian and disturbed areas.
Plant Community
Disturbed Areas
Riparian
Low elevation
500
High elevation
7500
Flower Characteristics
The bell-shaped flowers are less than 1/4-inch long, with six tepals partially fused together at the base. They are produced singly or in clusters of two or three.
Flower color
Greenish-white to yellowish
Flower shape
Bell-shaped
Tubular
No
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Stems are erect and much-branched. Leaves are scale-like, papery, and generally have a spur at the base. Stems elongate into fern-like growth.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Berries are poisonous.
Fruit type
Berry-like
Fruit color
Reddish
Seeds are black, generally 2 to 6 seeds per berry.