Harvest Brodiaea

Brodiaea elegans

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asparagaceae
Genus:
Brodiaea
Species:
Brodiaea elegans
USDA Symbol:
BREL

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Geophyte
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
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

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to open grasslands and woodlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 1-2 months to break dormancy.

Pre-treatment: Clean dry seed was placed in dry, cold storage following collection and prior to sowing

Establishment: Whole fruits can be collected from heads immediately prior to or after ripening. Seed may be shaken from capsules which have split, but capsules which have not opened may need to be mechanically split. If necessary, 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

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society