California Brodiaea
Brodiaea californica
- Native to:
- United States
iNaturalist: © leptonia (iNaturalist #280454736)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Genus:
- Brodiaea
- Species:
- Brodiaea californica
- USDA Symbol:
- BRCA4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, blue
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Can resprout from corms after fire; fire may stimulate flowering in some populations.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 2-3 months; sow in fall or after cold treatment.
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: Germination rates varied significantly between Dye Creek and Vina Plains populations, likely due to a fungal attack on the latter. Whole fruits can be collected from heads immediately prior to or after ripening. Unopened capsules may need to be mechanically split. Large numbers of dry fruits may be shattered rapidly by very brief blending. After blending, seed may be cleaned by sifting and/or blowing off chaff.
Source: npn.rngr.net