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Blue Dicks

Dichelostemma capitatum

Liliaceae (Lily Family)

Description: Also known as the Desert Hyacinth and Purplehead, this bulbous plant has basal leaves that can be twelve inches or more long and flower clusters of pale blue which are supported by stalks of up to two feet in height.

Habitat: This plant grows throughout California and as far east as Utah and New Mexico up to an elevation of about 7000 feet.

Flowering Season: Blooms from March to May.

Comments: The scientific name for blue dicks (or desert hyacinth) was Brodiaea capitata pauciflora (in honor of Scotch botanist James J. Brodie) at one time. The bulbs of this plant were eaten by both Indians and early settlers. This plant was known as "grass-nuts" by early settlers. This plant may also be listed as a member of the Asparagaceae (Asparagus Family) or the Themidaceae (Brodiaea Family)

	Blue Dicks Dichelostemma capitatum `Liliaceae (Lily Family)` Description: Also known as the Desert Hyacinth and Purplehead, this bulbous plant has basal leaves that can be twelve inches or more long and flower clusters of pale blue which are supported by stalks of up to two feet in height. Habitat: This plant grows throughout California and as far east as Utah and New Mexico up to an elevation of about 7000 feet. Flowering Season: Blooms from March to May. Comments: The scientific name for blue dicks (or desert hyacinth) was Brodiaea capitata pauciflora (in honor of Scotch botanist James J. Brodie) at one time. The bulbs of this plant were eaten by both Indians and early settlers. This plant was known as "grass-nuts" by early settlers. This plant may also be listed as a member of the Asparagaceae (Asparagus Family) or the Themidaceae (Brodiaea Family)