Wild Hyacinth

Dichelostemma pulchellum

Physical Characteristics

Dichelostemma pulchellum is a CORM growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Root Edible Uses: Corm - raw or cooked[22, 61, 161, 183]. A sweet flavour[46], it may seem rather flat at first, but the taste quickly grows on one[95]. A slow baking develops the sweetness of the corm[95]. The corm can be dried and ground into a powder then used as a thickener in soups or mixed with cereal flours to make bread etc[257]. The corm is usually harvested in the spring[257]. Flowers - raw[257]. A nice decoration in the salad bowl[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known