Brodiaea coronaria

Common Names

Crown Brodiaea, Harvest Brodiaea, Californian Hyacinth

Summary

Crown brodiaea is a perennial herb arising from a fibrous-coated corm that forms clumps as new corms develop at the base. Erect flowering stems reach up to 25 cm tall and bear a loose terminal umbel of 2–10 violet-purple flowers, each funnel-shaped to narrowly bell-shaped with six lobes. One to three grass-like basal leaves, 2–3 mm wide, wither before flowering. Native to western North America from British Columbia to northern California, it grows in gravel prairies, grassy slopes, rocky bluffs and grasslands at low elevations, and flowers in late spring to early summer after soils dry.

In cultivation, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, with moisture during growth and a warm, dry period late summer to autumn, making it drought-tolerant and well suited to xeric plantings. Protection from wet winters and mulch after dormancy are recommended in cooler areas. Propagation is by seed or division; blooms are a valued ornamental and attract bees and butterflies, suitable for rock gardens, borders, accent plantings with grasses, and native plantings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

9-12 inches

Spread

4-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, preferably sandy loam or rocky/gravelly texture

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Purple

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

2x growth

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies