Common Muilla
Muilla maritima
Care
full sun, part shade
1–2ft tall
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Bulbs eaten raw or cooked; traditional Indigenous food
Coastal grasslands and valleys from Monterey County to San Luis Obispo County, below 1000 ft elevation.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Common Muilla in full sun to part shade in a location with good drainage, since it grows naturally across diverse California habitats from coastal grasslands to desert and mountain foothills. The best time to plant is in fall or early winter, when the corm can establish roots before the growing season. Space plants about 6 inches apart to allow room for the 60-centimeter-long basal leaves to develop.
After Planting
Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish the plant, then transition to minimal supplemental water once established, since Common Muilla is adapted to survive with natural rainfall across its wide native range. The plant will go dormant after flowering and die back to the corm during summer - this is normal and expected. The most common mistake is overwatering during dormancy; once leaves start to yellow and fade, stop watering and let the plant rest until new growth appears in fall.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Some subspecies federally protected; species has state endangered designation
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Caterpillars feed on emerging foliage in early spring after winter dormancy
Nesting and foraging around bulb areas and root systems
Spring flower visitors during Muilla maritima blooming
Associated with bulb decomposition and senescent plant material
Adults visit flowers during brief blooming period for pollen and nectar
Larvae feed on bulb tissues and stored plant material in dormancy period