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Andrew's Clintonia

Clintonia andrewsiana

geophyte View on Calscape

Care

Sun

part shade

Water

moderate

Size

1–3ft tall

Bloom

Jan-Dec

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Edible

Bulbs cooked and eaten; berries eaten fresh

Native Range

Coastal redwood forests of northern California from Humboldt County to Santa Cruz County, below 2000 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Andrew's Clintonia in part shade to deep shade - it thrives in the shady, moist forest conditions of its native coastal range. Space plants according to their mature size of 1 to 3 feet tall, allowing room for the wide basal leaves to spread. Plant in spring or fall when the soil is naturally moist, and ensure the location has good drainage since the plant prefers moderate moisture, not soggy conditions.

After Planting

Water moderately and consistently through the first growing season, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Expect pink to reddish-purple flowers in winter and spring, followed by bright blue berries - both are signs the plant is thriving. The biggest mistake is planting in too much sun or allowing the soil to dry out; this plant wants shade and steady moisture, just like the forest understory where it naturally grows.

Visit Calscape for more information about Andrew's Clintonia

Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Ornate shrew Sorex ornatus
CA Special Concern

Ornate shrew is a Species of Special Concern

Wildlife Supported

Birds

Fruit · Summer

berries consumed during breeding season and post-fledgling period

Fruit · Fall

important fall migration fuel source

Mammals

Seeds · Summer

seed collection and caching during fruit ripening

Seeds · Summer

seed cache during summer fruiting period

Foliage · Year-Round

browse on leaf litter and low vegetation

Where to Buy

Native Here Nursery

101 Golf Course Dr, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley

Sat 10am-2pm

3.0 mi (510) 549-0211 Website