Blue Dicks
Dipterostemon capitatus · Asparagaceae
- Form
- Perennial
- Height
- 1–2 ft
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Water
- Very Low
- Blooms
- Feb, Mar, Apr, May
- Habitat
- Grassland · Coastal Sage Scrub · Chaparral · Oak Woodland
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Grassland, open scrub, oak woodland edges
- Form / size: Bulb/corm perennial, 1–2 ft
- Sun: Full sun to part shade · Water (established): Very low
- Blooms: Late winter–spring · Pollinator value: Moderate
Description
A spring geophyte with grasslike leaves and rounded clusters of blue-purple tubular flowers held on slender stems. It appears with winter rains, blooms, sets seed, and then vanishes underground for the dry season.
Wildlife & pollinators
Visited by native bees and butterflies during the spring bloom pulse.
Habitat & range
Open grasslands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral clearings, and oak woodland edges across much of California.
In the garden
Great tucked between bunchgrasses and dry shrubs where summer dormancy will not be mistaken for death. Let foliage dry naturally after bloom.
Propagation
From seed or by offsets from mature corms. Seed-grown plants take patience before they flower.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed in Orange County
- Spring grasslands, open scrub, and oak woodland edges.
Problems
Easy to lose under aggressive weeds or heavy mulch. Needs winter light and a dry summer rest.
