Grass Nut Triteleia laxa

Tritelia laxa, formerly Brodiaea laxa, is a species in a family of herbaceous perennials that are grown from bulbs or tubers. The plant is native to Northern California, where it is a considered a common wildflower, and can often be found in heavy soils, open forests, mixed conifer or foothill woodlands, and grasslands on clay soils.

The plant tolerates drought and grows well in rich, well-drained soils and sandy loams in full sun to part shade. Purple or blue flowers bloom in the early summer on a spray of small stalks atop a tall, leafless stem. For best results, provide the plant with consistent moisture spring to early summer; however, maintain a dry soil after blooming until the following spring.

The plant is cold hardy to Zone 6, but can overwinter in Zone 5 if sited in a protected south-facing location with mulch. Above Zone 5, you can grow the plant in containers that are moved to a dry area after bloom is completed to ensure the soil is dry. Bring the plant indoors in the fall to a cool, dry area with temperatures of 40 to 45 degrees F for the winter.

To plant from seed, sow 1/4 inch deep and thin to 3 to 5 seedlings if necessary by digging dormant cormlets and respacing. Note that when planted from seed, do not expect flowers for 2 to 3 years. To grow from bulbs, dig mature corms and divide, store the corms in a dry space at 70 to 77 degrees F. Plant the corms in the fall 3 to 5 inches deep to the base of the corm and space about 3 to 4 inches apart (9-10 bulbs per square foot). 

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

No known issues.