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(Wurmbea dioica)
Early Nancy (Wurmbea dioica)
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NSW Grassy Ecosystems
CC BY-SA 2.0
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NSW Grassy Ecosystems
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: NSW Grassy Ecosystems | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: NSW Grassy Ecosystems | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Wurmbea dioica, commonly known as Early Nancy, is a deciduous perennial bulb native to open woodlands, grasslands, and forest understories in Southern, Western and Eastern Australia, including Tasmania. It typically grows to a height of 0.2-0.5 feet (6-15 cm) and a width of approximately 0.1 feet (3 cm). Early Nancy features linear to lance-shaped leaves and produces striking white and purple flowers during the late winter to spring months. The flowers are arranged in a one-sided inflorescence, which is quite showy and attracts early-season pollinators.
Early Nancy is valued for its early flowering period, providing interest in the garden when few other plants are in bloom. It is suitable for rockeries, borders, and underplanting beneath deciduous trees, where it can naturalize over time. This plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring only moderate watering once established. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to bulb rot if kept in overly wet conditions. There are no significant diseases or aggressive root issues associated with this plant.CC BY-SA 4.0
Early Nancy is valued for its early flowering period, providing interest in the garden when few other plants are in bloom. It is suitable for rockeries, borders, and underplanting beneath deciduous trees, where it can naturalize over time. This plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring only moderate watering once established. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to bulb rot if kept in overly wet conditions. There are no significant diseases or aggressive root issues associated with this plant.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Height: 0.2-0.5 feet
- Width: 0.04-0.1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White, Purple
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
native to open woodlands, grasslands, and forest understories in Southern, Western and Eastern Australia, including Tasmania
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Wurmbea dioica, Anguillaria dioica, Anguillaria australis, Wurmbea dioicea,
GBIF Accepted Name: Wurmbea dioica (R.Br.) F.Muell.