Sonoma Brodiaea
Brodiaea leptandra
Care
full sun, part shade
very low
Mar-Aug
Friendly
Prized
Corms dug and eaten roasted or boiled; traditional Indigenous staple food.
Inland grasslands of Sonoma and Marin Counties, 500-2000 ft elevation in valley grassland.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Sonoma Brodiaea in full sun where it will receive direct light most of the day. This rare native prefers well-draining soil and very low water conditions, so choose a spot that doesn't stay wet or collect runoff. Space bulbs according to the size at maturity (spacing information not provided in available data). Plant in fall or early winter to allow the bulb to establish before spring blooming.
After Planting
Water minimally after planting - this is a very low water plant native to dry California conditions, so err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering. Once established, Sonoma Brodiaea requires essentially no supplemental water and will go dormant in summer after flowering (which occurs from March through August depending on your location). The #1 mistake is overwatering; this plant is adapted to drought and cannot tolerate soggy soil.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Leafy Reed Grass - Endemic to coastal bluffs
Brush rabbit is a Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Birds
Grassland seed foraging in native plant communities Sep-Feb
Associated grassland seed dispersal by ground-foraging birds Jun-Oct
Mammals
Green vegetation browsing during growing season Apr-Aug