TRITELEIA. California and the West. This is a wonderful group of cormous native perennials, formerly included (and still largely known to gardeners and hikers) in Brodiaea. They form dense colonies where adequately protected against rodents (this can be a challenge, as these and other animals find them irresistible). Each seasonal shoot consists of a few long, channeled leaves, often lying close to the ground, and a stalk of a few inches to nearly 3', topped by an umbrella-like flower cluster, appearing in spring or early summer. The individual blossoms have a basal tube or cup and six flared, often highly colored segments. Sometimes the anthers are also colored. These are fine subjects for rock gardens and open meadows, though most easily protected in large pots. They thrive in full sun or light shade and any reasonably well drained soil. Once the leaves have withered, they need no further watering. The following are hardy to 10^oF or less.

hyacinthina. A spring-blooming species, usually found in meadowy spring seeps. It has 1-2' stems bearing pure white, star-shaped blossoms with dark centers.

laxa ‘Queen Fabiola’. This appears to be simply a good color form of T. laxa, known popularly as Ithuriel's Spear. It is a robust plant, bearing broad clusters of trumpet shaped lavender blossoms on sturdy 1-2' stems in late spring.

peduncularis. Long-rayed brodiaea. One of the most vigorous species, quickly forming many-stemmed clumps in cultivation. It blooms in late spring and early summer, with stems often 1' or more tall. These carry many white blossoms on long, spokelike stalks.