Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Dichelostemma multiflorum is one of several species in the Themidaceae sometimes referred to as Wild Hyacinth. The genus Dichelostemma was previously included with Brodiaea, and some sources still refer to it by that name. This species is a native perennial herb that grows from a corm. It is found primarily in inland northern California, from Mariposa County northward, where it is found in grassy and open places at elevations from 0-5,000 feet. This species is somewhat less popular for garden use compared with others in the genus, but it is a good choice for mountain gardens in the Sierras and Cascades.

Plant type

Perennial herb, Geophyte

Size

3 ft Tall
1 ft Wide

Dormancy

Summer Deciduous

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Color

Blue, Lavender

Flowering season

Spring

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water

Very Low

Summer irrigation

Max 2x / month once established

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to 0° F

Soil drainage

Medium, Slow

Soil description

Prefers heavy soils but tolerates a variety of garden soils.

Propagation

Can be grown from seed but more commonly from an established corm

Sunset Zones

5, 6, 7*, 8, 9, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*

Site type

Grassy and open places

Plant communities

Foothill Woodland, Yellow Pine Forest

Like other members of the genus, it is most effective when massed. Individual corms will not bloom every year. Use with annuals, herbaceous perennials, or geophytes such as onion (Allium spp.), Brodiaea spp., Mariposa Lily (Calochortus spp.), Poppy (Eschscholzia spp. or Papaver spp.), Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila menziesii), and Lily (Lilium spp.)

Butterflies