Brodiaea

Family: bulbous plants. Name: named in honor of the Scottish botanist D. Brodie (J. J. Brodie). Also encountered in trade under the names triteleia (Triteleia) or dichelostemma (Dichelostemma).

Description: the genus contains 10 species, all in western North America. Species of related genera are often attributed to this genus, although they are fairly convincingly separated by important characters such as the presence of a bulb rather than a tuberous bulb, the presence of anthers on all 6 stamens, etc. In this broader sense the genus includes about 30 species.

Tuberous bulb almost spherical, clothed in fibers. Stem erect. Leaves linear. Perianth funnel-shaped, cut to half or more; segments more or less reflexed. Stamens 3, attached at the throat of the perianth. Anthers attached at the base. Staminodes at the tip are sharp or emarginate, or absent. Ovary sessile or nearly sessile. Seeds angular, black.

Beautiful plants that flower in early summer; they overwinter in the open ground in the subtropics and with light protection in the southern warm-temperate zones of America and Western Europe.

Location: light, well-drained soil; a sheltered, sunny position. Does not grow on heavy soils or on exposed, windy sites. Tolerates light partial shade.

Planting: plant in September at a depth of 8 cm with 10 cm between bulbs. Height of the plant 45–60 cm.

Care: needs light winter protection with peat or leaves. Does not tolerate transplanting. Likes moisture during the growth period. In the temperate zone and further north it is recommended to lift before frosts, dry and store until spring at 3–8 °C, as the plant perishes in severe winters.

Propagation: by tuberous bulbs and seeds. It propagates easily by seeds. Brodiaea (loose-growing forms) will flower already in the 1st–2nd year. Vegetative propagation by separating young tuberous bulbs.

Usage: a plant for those who prefer not showy but delicate and graceful flowers. Good for cutting. Can be grown as a potted plant. Suitable for forcing.