Dichelostemma congestum

Also Known As

Brodiaea congesta
Brodiaea congestum
Fork-Tongued Ookow
Harvest Lily

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 18"-24"
W: 4"-6"

planting zones

6a-10b

More Options

Dichelostemma congestum plant details

Dichelostemma congestum is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring and summer lavender and purple flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees, beneficial insects and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - low water. Prefers to be dry in summer, dry when dormant. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dichelostemma congestum

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 4 IN - 6 IN - wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: lavender and purple blooms in spring and summer
Uses: cottage garden, cutting garden, easy-to-grow, meadow garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dichelostemma congestum

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Dichelostemma congestum wins the prize for unusual common names. How about fork-toothed ookow or blue dicks? Borne atop straight, slender stems are rounded clusters 2-3 inches wide packed with lilac-purple flowers in early summer. The foliage below is narrow and grass-like and dies down as the flowers open. Stems can reach 2-3 feet tall perfect for rising through sun-loving to add movement as the bees frolic to and fro. Appreciates a dry rest after flowering so perfect for hot, sunny borders, rock and gravel gardens, and containers. Pollinator attractor, especially bees. Nearly native to BC, its range reaches as far north as Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. We call this "native plant adjacent". For native plant fans, this ookow is certainly part of our West Coast ecoregion and will have pollinator relationships with our local bees and butterflies.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

This western native may be found in open woods, meadows and grassy slopes from sea level up to 6,500 feet. Bees and butterflies are attracted to the bright purple inflorescences of 6-20, 1cm wide and long flowers. The edible bulbs were cooked in underground ovens and eaten, or processed and made into breads or cakes. The delightful, allium-like flowers are notable for their forked filaments and creamy-white ribs which offset the petals.

By: Forestfarm

A colorful CA native bulb with lovely periwinkle blooms. First introduced in 1806, it’s native to meadows and open woods from central California extending northwards to Canada and less commonly in the Sierra foothills. Rising 18-24” above grass-like foliage, the silver dollar-sized, bright purple florets are densely packed with 6-15 individual flowers. Each petal is offset by a creamy-white rib and the yellow filaments are forked leading to the common name of “Fork-Tongued Ookow”.Flowering begins in April and continues until June,with the allium-like flower heads peacefully swaying in the breeze. Mixes well with native grasses such Carex pansa or other bulbs such as colorful Dutch Irises or later blooming Daffodils. Bees and butterflies find the flowers delightful. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. After flowering, let foliage wither naturally. This bulb will naturalize in your garden and does not require Summer dry conditions so it can be left undisturbed.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Blooms: spring-summer, purple, tight clusters/ deciduous grass like foliage/ syn. Dichelostemma / Triteleia Zone 7-9. 24", PNW, part shade-sun, moist-dry, well drained