SafePlants

Brodiaea elegans and Brodiaea coronaria: Elegant Wildflowers

This page provides information on two closely related and visually striking wildflowers: Brodiaea elegans and Brodiaea coronaria, both known as Harvest Brodiaea.

Considerations for Pets

• Both species grow from deeply buried round roots.
• Leaves of B. coronaria are grass-like and wither before bloom time.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

• Brodiaea elegans:
  • Common Names: Harvest Brodiaea, Elegant Brodiaea
  • Family: Themidaceae (Lily or Asparagus family)
• Brodiaea coronaria:
  • Common Names: Harvest Brodiaea, Crown Brodiaea, Bluedick Brodiaea
  • Synonyms: Brodiaea coronaria (Salisb.) Engl. subsp. coronaria
  • Family: Asparagaceae (previously in Liliaceae)
  • Codon Abbreviation: BRCO

Distribution and Habitat

• Brodiaea elegans is native to California and found in other areas.
• Brodiaea coronaria ranges from British Columbia to southern California.
• They are often found in wet prairies and vernal pools.
• A specific location mentioned is Mount Pisgah, Oregon.
• Also found in Sierra Foothill garden.

Morphological Characteristics

• Brodiaea coronaria is a perennial herb up to 30 cm tall.
• It has grass-like leaves that wither before bloom time.
• The flower clusters open on uneven stalks.
• Vase-shaped flowers grow in a loose umbel.

Quirky Facts

• The genus Brodiaea is named after James J. Brodie, a Scottish botanist.
• Harvest Brodiaea can bloom late in the summer after the leaves have withered.
• Some believe Brodiaea Coronaria connects you to psychic gifts.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Bees, such as Anthophora terminalis, are known to visit Brodiaea coronaria.

Traditional Uses

• Native American names for Brodiaea coronaria include Topoderos (Wiyot) and Walla (Miwok).
• The roots are edible.

Further Information

• CalFlora Database
• USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center
• Dave's Garden
• Wikimedia Commons