Scientific Family
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Habranthus longifolius
Other common names
long-leaf copper-lily
rain lily
copper zephyr-lily
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
To 6 inches
Riparian
No
Leafless, hollow flower stem, about same length as leaves; bulb to 3/4 inch diameter, 2 to 4 inches below surface, outer coat dark brown, wrinkled, forming a stout neck up to 3/4 inch wide, inner coat shiny, papery.
Plants from oval bulbs; leaves many from plant base, narrow, coppery or reddish tinged bases; solitary flower at the end of a hollow stem, spathe (large bract) below the funnel-shaped flower, sepals and petals generally yellow; stamens in 2 unequal sets.
Habitat
Sandy, gravelly, alkaline, or limestone soils. Found only near Clarkdale in Yavapai County.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Interior Chaparral
Low elevation
3500
High elevation
3500
Flower Characteristics
Solitary flower at end of hollow stems, supported by large, papery, pinkish or purplish bract, 3/4 to 1 inch; flowers erect to slightly inclined; petals 3/4 to 1 inch, whitish tips or tinged with purple or rose; anthers orange.
Flower color
Yellow, pinkish, purplish, whitish tips
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
August
Flower clusters
None
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Basal leaves, 3 to 10 per plant, coppery or reddish tinged bases, blades fleshy, 1/16 wide, linear to somewhat thread-like, 2 to 10 inches long.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dull green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
3-lobed capsule, hairless or soft, short hairs, 3/4 inch in diameter.
Fruit type
Capsule
Black, egg-shaped seeds, 1/4 inch long.