Brodiaea

Often called wild hyacinth, sixteen different species exist, and all but four or five have a native range limited to California.

Taxonomy changes have moved this once considered member of the lily family to the Themidaceae family, along with other genera such as Dichelostemma.

They are perennials that grow from bulbs and produce blue or purple flowers during late spring.

One look at the flower in second picture explains both of Triteleia ixioides common names, Golden Brodiaea and Pretty Face.

Golden Brodiaea ranges throughout much of California into Southern Oregon. They prefer moist forest soils and they grow at both lower and higher elevations.

White Brodiaea (Triteleia hyacinthina), also called Fool's Onion, adapts to wooded areas and meadows of the Western United States that receive adequate rainfall.

The second picture shows its white flowers with green stripes growing on a single stem. Their adaptability and beauty make them a nice native plant choice for gardens.

Depending on location, they bloom from late spring through early summer.

© 2009-2011 Patricia A. Michaels