Soap plant (Chlorogalum pomeridianum) is a member of the Agavaceae (Agave) family, but more closely resembles a Lily.

Soap plant has delicate, star-like flowers in clusters. They are typically white, with a noticeable purple or green mid-vein and yellow-to-orange stamens. Soap plant flowers are unique in that they open only in the late afternoon or evening, sometimes on cloudy days. The flowers remain open during the night but will close by the morning. Pollination is by evening and night flying insects.

As the plant's common name indicates, the leaves usually have edges that are wavy. The plant is drought-deciduous, and its foliage usually disappears by late summer. Once established, Soap Plant requires virtually no care.

Indigenouse Peoples use the crushed bulbs and water to produce a lather for cleaning clothing and baskets. Soap plant is found in most of California except the desert regions and just into southwest Oregon. Wavy-leafed Soap Plant grows on rock bluffs, grasslands, chaparral, and in open woodlands.