Grass Nut (Triteleia laxa)

Grass Nut: A California Wildflower

Grass Nut (Triteleia laxa), also called Ithuriel's Spear or Wally Basket, is a charming bulbous perennial native to California and Oregon grasslands and open woodlands. In late spring, it produces open umbels of 10-25 star-shaped, blue to violet-blue flowers on 12-18 inch leafless stems. The narrow, grass-like basal leaves wither by flowering time. Synonym: Brodiaea laxa.

Meadow and Garden Naturalizer

Plant corms in autumn in well-drained soil, full sun to light shade. It naturalizes beautifully in meadows, lawns, and under oaks. The flowers attract native bees and butterflies. The corms were eaten by Native Americans (hence "Grass Nut"). Drought-tolerant once established. A lovely, easy native bulb for naturalistic plantings.

Taxonomy

• Family: Alliaceae
• Genus: Triteleia
• Species: laxa
• Synonym: Brodiaea laxa