Dwarf Brodiaea
(Brodiaea terrestris)
Dwarf Brodiaea (Brodiaea terrestris)
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© Cricket Raspet
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© Cricket Raspet
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CC BY 4.0
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Photo by: © Cricket Raspet | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: chilipossum | Publisher: iNaturalist |











Estimated Native Range
Summary
Brodiaea terrestris, commonly known as dwarf brodiaea, is a perennial herb native to various habitats in Baja California, California and Oregon, including grasslands, open woodlands, and chaparral. It is particularly prevalent in the coastal ranges from the Oregon border to San Diego and in the central Sierra Nevada. This plant typically grows from underground corms, reaching a modest height of 4-18 inches (10-45 cm). The narrow, grass-like leaves emerge in a basal rosette, and in late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of small, star-shaped, purple to blue flowers atop slender, leafless stalks. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators such as bees.
Dwarf brodiaea is valued for its low maintenance and drought tolerance, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, native plant gardens, and wildflower meadows. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. Dwarf brodiaea is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, but it can be sensitive to overwatering, which may cause the corms to rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Dwarf brodiaea is valued for its low maintenance and drought tolerance, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, native plant gardens, and wildflower meadows. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. Dwarf brodiaea is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, but it can be sensitive to overwatering, which may cause the corms to rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb, Bulb
- Height: 0.5-1 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
native to various habitats in Baja California, California and Oregon, including grasslands, open woodlands, and chaparral
Other Names
Common Names: Earth Brodiaea
Scientific Names: , Brodiaea terrestris, Hookera terrestris, Hookera terrestris,
GBIF Accepted Name: