Plant Description

Triteleia hyacinthina

White Brodiaea (pronounced bro-dee-uh) begins to flower as fields dry out in early summer. It has grassy leaves, and some species of Brodiaea are sometimes mistaken for onions. However, this attractive prairie flower is actually more closely related to hyacinth than onion!

Several white brodiaea plants in bloom against a brown mulch background.

White Brodiaea in bloom.

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

Characteristic Plant Information
Height Up to 2 ft
Growth Rate Fast
Life Cycle Perennial
Moisture Use Low
Drought Tolerance High
Deer Browse Deer-resistant, not deer-proof
Wildlife Value Some value
Hardiness USDA Zones 4-8
Bloom Time May-July
Bloom Color White
Habitat Type Meadow or prairie

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Classification Scientific Name
Kingdom Plantae
Clade Angiosperms
Clade Eudicots
Order Asparagales
Family Asparagaceae, sub. Brodiaeoideae
Genus Triteleia
Species T. hyacinthina

Planting information

Sun

Full sun

Soil

Prefers looser, lighter soils; generally sandy or loamy soils

Special Uses

Does well in dry areas; good for meadowscapes

Ease of Care

Easy

PLANT IMAGES