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Field Cluster-Lily Dichelostemma congestum

Previously known as:

  • Brodiaea pulchella
  • Dichelostemma pulchellum
  • Hookera pulchella
Phonetic Spelling
dy-kel-OH-stem-uh kon-JES-tum
Description

Fork-Toothed Ookow is a flowering, herbaceous perennial wildflower in the asparagus family native to the mountainous regions and open grassy hillsides of western North America.  It has showy blue-purple flowers, with a solitary bloom sitting atop a long stalk with a few grass-like leaves at the base of the plant. The flowering stem is generally curved or twisted (not straight) and the flowers are typically dense and not open. When this wildflower blooms surrounding grasses are maturing and turning brown, thus the plant signals the beginning of summer.

Fork-Toothed Ookow prefers full sun and and is easy to grow in dry, well-drained soil in full sun. However, it is a hardy plant that can tolerate poor soil, shade and drought. The plant will spread in time to form colonies from bulbs or seed. Note that when grown from seed, it can take several months before seedlings appear.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#herbaceous perennial#poor soils tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#flowering bulb#dense
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#herbaceous perennial#poor soils tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#flowering bulb#dense
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Dichelostemma
    Species:
    congestum
    Family:
    Asparagaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    British Columbia, Washington state to California
    Wildlife Value:
    attracts bees.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Ascending
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Petals:
    Bracts
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Blooms from April to June. Six to fifteen densely-packed small flowers of pale purple to green. Flower stalks can be horizontal or erect.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Hairs Present:
    No
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Tall and thin.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Patio
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought