1. Blue Dicks/Wild Hyacynth – Dichelostemma capitatum
(dick (dike)-el-AH-stem-uh
cap-ih-TAY-tum)
Family: Liliaceae (Liily Family); perhaps better in Themidaceae (new family)
most of CA; coastal strand, vernal pools, coastal salt marsh edges, openings in
grasslands, woodlands, dry ridges and hillsides. Common after disturbances (fire).
Native to:
Perennial from corm
mature height: 1-3 ft.
mature width: 1-2 ft
Twisted, fleshy stem with 2 linear leaves in winter/spring. Dormant in summer. Produces corms
and cormlets in leaf axils. In nature, small and large mammals eat large corms and spread the
cormlets and seeds.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms/fruits: Flowers purple/blue in clusters of 6-15 in spring (Mar-May).
Uses in the garden: cultivated beds; along walls; in rock gardens. Looks nice with other bulbs and
yellow-flowering plants. Good for west- and south-facing walls. Good in pots and in vernal
pools/water gardens or vernal meadows. Corms & flowers are edible.
Sensible substitute for: non-native spring-blooming blue bulbs and Dwarf Agapanthus.
Attracts: Butterflies, hummingbirds. Small mammals love the corms.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun (best) to partial shade
Any well-drained soil
Winter only; must have dry summer period
None needed
Prefers well-drained soil; protect corms from animal predation
Management: Best if growing bed is disturbed periodically. Replant smaller cormlets.
Propagation: from seed: best planted in fall in well-drained soil.
Can plant in garden or pots.
Keep potted plants in partial shade during hot months. From corms: in fall, in place (larger) or in
pots. Grow small corms/cormlets 1-2 years before planting out. Protect from animal predation.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18
11/26/10
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