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A Californian bulb that prospers in dry, sunny locations. I grew a few bulbs decades ago and now it appears occasionally in other pots and outside near the ghreenhouse. Calscape say: "Ithuriel's Spear (Triteleia laxa) is a common native perennial herb in the Lily family that grows primarily in northern and central California. It tends to grow in openings in forest or woodland with sandy soil, at elevations from 0-4600 feet. Grassy blade-like leaves emerge in late winter and begin to go dormant just before flowering. Loose purple, star-shaped flower clusters arise on foot-long stems in late spring to early summer. Numerous insects including bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers, and some mammals will dig up and eat the corms. Extremely easy to grow, Ithuriel's Spear prefers sandy soil but thrives even in clay soil and under native oaks. It can take full sun and will be healthier if allowed to dry out and go dormant in the summer but will survive regular irrigation. Plant the corms 4 inches deep and mass for best effect. It will naturalize over time among other plants or grasses." The Pacific Bulb Society says: "Triteleia laxa Benth. is found between 0 and 4600 feet (0 to 1500 meters) in a variety of habitats such as mixed evergreen forests, grassland, foothill woodland, and chaparral throughout much of California and into Oregon. Flowering often begins as the foliage dies back, but to some degree this depends on the weather and the original source of the form. There is much variation in color and form and time of bloom (April to July in the wild). The funnel-shaped flowers vary considerably in color (from blue, to violet and purple, occasionally white) and size in different habitats. Linear filaments are attached at different levels. Anthers are white to blue. The ovary and style are hidden from view. Some forms offset heavily and others do not, but just produce bigger corms and more flowers over time." |
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| 18th July 2020 | ||
