1. Common Golden Stars – Bloomeria crocea
(bloom-AIR (EER)-ee-uh CROW-kee-uh)
Family: Liliaceae (Lily Family); possibly better in Themidaceae
Native to: South Coast, Peninsular & Transverse Ranges from Santa Barbara to Baja; Channel Islands.
Dry flats and hillsides, often in clay soils.
Coastal Sage Scrub.
Found in grasslands, Chaparral edges, open woodlands,
Perennial from corm
mature height: 1-2 ft
mature width: 10-15 in.
1-2 narrow basal leaves grow winter/spring. Completely dormant in summer (dies back to ground).
Growth characteristics:
Blooms/fruits: Yellow flowers in open umbels. Flowers open individually, Apr-June.
Uses in the garden: cultivated beds, borders – particularly massed. Good contrast for blue/purple
bulbs and other flowers. Superb as cut flower. Drought tolerant – does well in xeriscape or rain
garden/vernal swale. Competes well with grasses, so works well in vernal swales/meadows. Does
fine in deep pots. Bulbs are edible.
Sensible substitute for: non-native yellow spring bulbs like Sparaxis, Ixia
Attracts: butterflies
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to partial shade; flower heads must reach above foliage
Tolerates clay soils; any pH
Moderate in winter; none in summer
None needed; can use plant ash
Management: Little needed as long as water regimen is correct.
Dig & replant smaller corms every
2-3 years to increase plants.
Propagation: From seed: allow pods to dry on plant.
Plant fall or spring. Pre-chill may help
germination (takes 1-3 mo). Grow 2 years before planting out. From corms: corms numerous.
Divide when dormant. Plant large corms in place in fall; smaller corms in pots 1-2 years. Mature in
2-4 years.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 8, 10, 13, 16, 18, 20
11/24/10
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