Panicles 2.5–4 dm. 2n = 60.

Flowering May--Jun. Open woodlands; of conservation concern; 300 m; Calif.

Chlorogalum purpureum var. purpureum is known from only three or four localities on the east side of the Santa Lucia Mountains in the South Coast Ranges. The California Native Plant Society considers it to be endangered throughout its range, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed it as threatened.