Tritelia laxa, formerly Brodiaea laxa , is a species of herbaceous perennial that is grown from corms. The plant is native to northern California, where it is a considered a common wildflower, and can often be found in heavy soils, open forests, mixed conifer or foothill woodlands, and grasslands on clay soils. The plant tolerates drought and grows well in rich, well-drained soils and sandy loams in full sun to part shade. Purple or blue flowers bloom in the early summer on a spray of small stalks atop a tall, leafless stem. For best results, provide the plant with consistent moisture spring to early summer; however, maintain a dry soil after blooming until the following spring. The plant is cold hardy to Zone 6, but can overwinter in Zone 5 if sited in a protected south-facing location with mulch. Above Zone 5, you can grow the plant in containers that are moved to a dry area after bloom is completed to ensure the soil is dry. Bring the plant indoors in the fall to a cool, dry area with temperatures of 40 to 45 degrees F for the winter. To plant from seed, sow 1/4 inch deep and thin to 3 to 5 seedlings if necessary by digging dormant cormlets and respacing. Note that when planted from seed, do not expect flowers for 2 to 3 years. To grow from corms, dig mature corms and divide them and store the corms in a dry space at 70 to 77 degrees F. Plant the corms in the fall 3 to 5 inches deep to the base of the corm and space about 3 to 4 inches apart (9-10 bulbs per square foot). Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: No known issues.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.