Triteleia lilacina, commonly known as foothill triteleia, is a perennial herb that emerges from a corm. It is native to the grasslands and open woodlands of California’s Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada foothills, particularly areas with serpentine and volcanic soils. This plant typically grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) and produces an inflorescence consisting of an umbel-like cluster of flowers. The flowers are white, bowl-shaped, and have shiny vesicles in the center, blooming from late spring to early summer. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators such as bees.

Foothill triteleia is valued for its drought tolerance and is often used in wildflower gardens, rock gardens, and naturalized areas. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. There are no major disease problems associated with this plant, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. It is not known to be invasive and does not have aggressive roots.CC BY-SA 4.0