Harvest Brodiaea

(Brodiaea elegans)

 

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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