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Dichelostemma capitatum

Also Known As

Dichelostemma pulchella
Dichelostemma pulchellum
Blue Dicks
Brodiaea
Purplehead
Wild Hyacinth

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 24"-30"
W: 1"-6"

planting zones

9a-11

More Options

Dichelostemma capitatum plant details

Dichelostemma capitatum is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring purple flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dichelostemma capitatum

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 IN - 6 IN - wide, 24 IN - 30 IN - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in spring
Uses: cottage garden, cutting garden, edible, native plant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dichelostemma capitatum

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A beautiful, drought-tolerant, and edible native of the western United States. 6-16 inch grass-like leaves and a 2-3 foot stem emerge from the edible corms. Up to a dozen violet flowers form round clusters at the top of the stem in the spring. The height they reach is dependent upon their habitat which ranges from grasslands, open slopes, mesas and chaparral. The sweet-tasting corms may be eaten cooked or raw, and the flowers are sometimes used to brighten up salads or deserts. Though typically lavender-violet in color, the flowers also occasionally appear in pink hues.

By: Forestfarm

Native to most of California, this delightful native wildflower grows from vigorous corms to about 30 inches tall, and blooms from Feb. to May. Handsome, metallic, purple bracts hold the tight heads of purple to blue funnel-shaped flowers on stiff single stems. The leaves are grass-like and may wither by bloom time. Long lived and dependable, it will naturalize easily as long as you plant it in well drained soil in the sun. Blue Dicks are edible too! The flowers are a pretty edition to salad and the corms have a sweet flavor, raw or cooked. Reseeds!