[4][5] Dichelostemma is classified in the cluster-lily subfamily within the asparagus family.

The genus is native to the North America, especially in northern California, but also east to New Mexico and north to British Columbia and south into northwestern Mexico.

[4][8] These plants grow from perennial corms that produce a raceme or umbel-like inflorescence.

The flowers are bell- or tube-shaped and produce capsules with black seeds.

The name, from the Greek for "toothed crown", refers to the stamen appendages.