The ecological life cycle of Nothoscordum bivalve (Liliaceae) in the middle Tennessee cedar glades is described. Vegetative growth and production of bulblets and seeds occur in spring and autumn; fewer plants in a population flower and set seeds in autumn than in spring. During much of the summer, the bulbs have neither roots nor shoots because there is a deficiency of soil moisture in the habitat for root and shoot growth. During winter both roots and shoots are present, but the shoots are prevented from emerging above the soil surface by low temperatures. Seeds are inherently dormant at maturity, and a stratification period is required to break dormancy. This requirement is fulfilled during winter, and germination occurs in early spring. In a laboratory study, nondormant seeds germinated best when incubated at a low temperature regime (15/6 C) in darkness. Although many seeds are produced, the predominant method of reproduction is by bulblets.