Harvest Brodiaea

(Brodiaea elegans)
 
Harvest Brodiaea
Harvest Brodiaea near Inspiration Point.
Will Elder, NPS
 

Origin Of Genus Name: Brodiaea is named after James J. Brodie, a Scottish botanist.

Presidio Locations: Found in coastal prairie and serpentine grasslands.

Range In State: Throughout California.

Description: This native perennial has mounds of grass-like leaves, 4-16 inches in height, that dry out before the flower appears. Bell shaped flowers vary in intensity of violet-pink and are attached to a single stem in groups up to ten. Blooms May to August..

Native Californian Uses: The Yurok ate the bulbs as a vegetable by baking them in sand with a fire built over them.

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Did You Know?

Seacoast Artillerymen

The U.S. Army maintained a post at the Presidio for nearly 150 years. The Presidio's garrison included troops from all major combat arms: infantry, cavalry, and artillery.