Scientific Name
Dichelostemma capitatus (Benth.) A. W. Wood
Family
Themidaceae
General
An attractive perennial herb. A tall flowering stalk with a head of purple flowers is all that is easily visible. The flowers sway in the wind above the grass in the breeze. This plant grows from a small corm that is edible, and was enjoyed by the Chumash and early settlers.
CI
Can be quite abundant in a variety of mostly grassy habitats. Less abundant in drier years (2004). One of the first flowers to bloom following the Winter rains.
References
More on this species at Calflora.
The Jepson Manual (2012: 1507, Themidaceae by J. Chris Pires).
Dale( 200: 26).
McAuley (1996: 414).
Dichelostemma capitatus whole plant, on plateau of hill to north east of Sage Hall, CI campus (12 March 2016).
Dichelostemma capitatus hillside to south of University Park entrance area, CI campus (18 February 2015).
Dichelostemma capitatus hillside to south of University Park entrance area, CI campus (18 February 2015).
Dichelostemma capitatus hillside to south of University Park entrance area, CI campus (18 February 2015).
Dichelostemma capitatus on east face of hillside to west of University Glen, CI campus (20 February 2013).
Dichelostemma capitatus on east face of hillside to west of University Glen, CI campus (20 February 2013).
Dichelostemma capitatus hill to west of Aliso Hall, CI campus (22 February 2013).
Dichelostemma capitatus dense patch of young plants (pre-flowering) on hillside to south of University Park entrance area, CI campus(26 Jan 2015).
Dichelostemma capitatus hill to west of Aliso Hall, CI campus (28 March 2008).
Dichelostemma capitatus to the east of University Glen, CI campus. One of the first photographs taken in the survey of CI native plants (2 March 2003).
Dichelostemma capitatus hill to west of Aliso Hall, CI campus. An unusually lightly colored, almost white flower(31 January 2013).
Dichelostemma capitatus hill to west of Aliso Hall, CI campus. Same plant as above, an unusually lightly colored, almost white flower(31 January 2013).
Dichelostemma capitatus hillside to south of University Park entrance area, CI campus (4 February 2015).
Dichelostemma capitatus hillside to south of University Park entrance area, CI campus (4 February 2015).
Dichelostemma capitatus newly sprouted plants on north face of hillside above (south) of Malibu Hall, CI campus (4 March 2014).
Dichelostemma capitatus on north face of hillside above (south) of Malibu Hall, CI campus (5 March 2013).
Dichelostemma capitatus on north face of hillside above (south) of Malibu Hall, CI campus (5 March 2013).