Common Starlily (Leucocrinum montanum) is in the agave and allies family (Asparagaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,084 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.
Nationally it blooms mainly from April to May, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Common Starlily: observations by month (U.S.)
About Common Starlily
Leucocrinum montanum, commonly known as the sand lily, common starlily or mountain lily, is the only species in the monotypic genus Leucocrinum, placed in the family Asparagaceae, and subfamily Agavoideae. It is native to the western United States, primarily in the Rocky Mountains and the Great Basin.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Common Starlily by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 762 | May | Apr–May |
| Oregon | 188 | May | Apr–May |
| Wyoming | 30 | April | Apr–Jun |
| Utah | 25 | May | Apr–Jun |
| Montana | 23 | May | May–May |
| South Dakota | 23 | May | Apr–May |
| Nevada | 20 | May | Mar–May |
| Idaho | 6 | April | Apr–Apr |
| Nebraska | 5 | April | Apr–Apr |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (agave and allies)
Ithuriel's Spear
Blue Dicks
common star-of-Bethlehem
Chaparral Yucca
Canada mayflower
Solomon's plume
Desert Lily
Small Camas
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Common Starlily?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from April to May.
Where is Common Starlily most often seen?
The most observations come from Colorado, Oregon, Wyoming.