SafePlants

Elegant Brodiaea and its Vernal Pool Companions

This section explores the fascinating world of the Brodiaea genus, focusing on several species that thrive in vernal pool habitats. These ephemeral wetlands, found primarily in California and Oregon, support a unique array of plant and animal life.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Brodiaea species grow from bulbs deep within the soil.

Considerations for Children

• Some Brodiaea species grow from bulbs deep within the soil.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: The text mentions several Brodiaea species, including Brodiaea elegans, Brodiaea jolonensis, Brodiaea orcuttii, Brodiaea minor, Brodiaea filifolia, Brodiaea coronaria, and Brodiaea capitata.
• Common Names: Threadleaf Brodiaea, Vernal Pool Brodiaea, Orcutt's Brodiaea, Harvest Brodiaea, Wild Hyacinth, Chinese Camp Brodiaea.
• Family: Liliaceae (Lily Family) and Themidaceae (as a synonym, indicating a possible taxonomic shift over time)

Distribution and Habitat

• Brodiaea species are primarily found in western North America, particularly California and Oregon.
• They are commonly associated with vernal pools, wet grasslands, and foothill springs. Some species, like Brodiaea filifolia, prefer open ground such as floodplains and gentle hillsides near vernal pools.
• Specific locations mentioned include the San Marcos Vernal Pool Area, Prairie City SVRA, Santa Rosa Plateau, and the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Morphological Characteristics

• Plants can grow up to 1 foot tall.
• Flowers can be 4 to 5 cm across.
• Brodiaea filifolia, or threadleaf brodiaea, grows from a long-lived bulb deep in the clay soil.
• Flowers are vase-shaped and arranged in a loose umbel.

Ecological Role

• Several exotic plant species, including Brodiaea spp. and Muilla spp., are associated with vernal pools.
• Brodiaea filifolia is a narrow endemic, specifically adapted to clay soils.

Genetic and Cytological Information

• The text references Niehaus's concept of B. minor as diploid plants.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Bacteria and protozoa search vernal pools for Brodiaea bulbs.

Quirky Facts

• Brodiaea orcuttii is considered more highly evolved because it lacks staminodes, according to Niehaus.

Further Information

• Gerald and Buff Corsi, 2007, California Academy of Sciences.
• CNPS Inventory.
• City of San Diego Rare Plant Monitoring Report, 2005.