Californian Hyacinth, Crown brodiaea, Indian Valley brodiaea

Brodiaea coronaria

Physical Characteristics

Brodiaea coronaria is a CORM growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America from British Columbia to California.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; East Wall. By. South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Root Edible Uses: Corm - raw or cooked[105, 161, 177]. Baked or boiled and eaten like potatoes[257]. When slowly roasted, it becomes very sweet[95]. Edible fruit[2]. This report is rather dubious and possibly refers to the seedpod since the seed is encased in a small dry capsule[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known