SafePlants

Brodiaea pallida - Chinese Camp Brodiaea

Brodiaea pallida, commonly known as Chinese Camp Brodiaea, is a rare flowering plant belonging to the cluster-lily genus.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• This plant grows from a bulb.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Brodiaea pallida Hoover
• Common Name: Chinese Camp Brodiaea
• Family: Themidaceae, also listed as Liliaceae in some sources.
• Synonyms: None explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
• Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN): 42816

Distribution and Habitat

• Brodiaea pallida is a California endemic, meaning it is native and limited to California.
• It is found near a low gradient in wilderness areas near Chinese Camp, California.
• Specific habitats include wet areas around creeks and springs, as well as cismontane woodland and valley and foothill grassland, specifically granitic or clay soils.

Ecological Role

• The Chinese Camp Brodiaea is listed as threatened nationally and endangered in California, indicating it is at risk of extinction. Killing or possessing plants from wild populations is prohibited.
• It is a federally listed threatened plant species, and its habitat is considered critical for its survival.

Morphological Characteristics

• Brodiaea pallida is a perennial herb (forb) that grows from a bulb.
• The scape (flower stalk) is slender and measures 10-20 cm.
• The flowers are 14-24 mm in size, with a pale purple or lilac perianth.
• The flower shape is rotate, and the tube is urceolate, slightly constricted above the ovary.

Conservation Status

• Endangered (California)
• Threatened (Nationally)

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Chinese Camp Brodiaea is listed in conjunction with the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle, giant garter snake, and San Francisco garter snake, suggesting potential co-occurrence or habitat overlap.

Further Information

• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Brodiaea pallida.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office: Offers a 5-Year Review Summary and Evaluation for the Chinese Camp Brodiaea.
• California Native Plant Society: May have photos and associated text available with permission.
• ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System): Provides taxonomic information, including the TSN.
• USDA: Potentially offers related resources and articles.