Bulb scales: large 2-9; small 0-2. Stem 3-6 dm. Leaves 5-12, alternate, crowded near proximal center of stem, 5-15 cm; blade linear to lanceolate-oblong. Flowers nodding, odor definitely unpleasant; tepals greenish to purplish brown adaxially, white or yellow abaxially, ovate, 1.8-3.5 cm, apex not recurved; nectaries prominent, green, narrowly linear, forming narrow band 2/3 to equaling tepal length; style obviously branched for 1/2 its length, branches longer than 1.5 mm. Capsules angled. 2n = 24. Flowering Mar--Apr. Depressions with clay or other heavy soils; 0--500 m; Calif. This species is uncommon.