California Bog Asphodel Plant Care
Narthecium californicum Baker
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Narthecium californicum is a species of flowering plant known by the common name California bog asphodel. It is native to the mountains of southern Oregon and northern California, where it grows in wet habitat such as streambanks and meadows.
Every 3–5 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for California Bog Asphodel?
Water California Bog Asphodel every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity.
Where Is the California Bog Asphodel Native To?
What Is the California Bog Asphodel?
California Bog Asphodel (Narthecium californicum) belongs to the Nartheciaceae family within the Narthecium genus. California Bog Asphodel is native to the mountains of southern Oregon and northern California.
California Bog Asphodel displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. California Bog Asphodel produces small yellow star-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a California Bog Asphodel?
Narthecium californicum requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the California Bog Asphodel Need?
California Bog Asphodel thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the California Bog Asphodel Prefer?
Narthecium californicum grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. California Bog Asphodel prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a California Bog Asphodel?
Moist, acidic soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for California Bog Asphodel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a California Bog Asphodel?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a California Bog Asphodel?
California Bog Asphodel can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bog asphodel plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the California Bog Asphodel Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list California Bog Asphodel, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the California Bog Asphodel?
California Bog Asphodel is susceptible to slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the California Bog Asphodel Need?
California Bog Asphodel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. California Bog Asphodel is native to the mountains of southern Oregon and northern California. In cooler regions, grow California Bog Asphodel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
California Bog Asphodel is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Narthecium genus — compare its care with other Narthecium species on PlantoScan.
Narthecium is part of the Nartheciaceae plant family — browse all Nartheciaceae genera and species.
California Bog Asphodel thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Narthecium californicum Baker, family Nartheciaceae (first published in J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 15: 351 (1876)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list California Bog Asphodel, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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