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Ithuriel's Spear

Triteleia laxa

Photo by misako
Published on Project Noah
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37.8817, -121.909

Field Notes

Description:

Spotted this wildflower while I was hiking in Mt. Diablo State Park in Concord, CA.

Habitat:

Mt. Diablo State Park in Concord, CA.

Notes:

Triteleia laxa (previously Brodiaea laxa) is a triplet lily known by several common names, including Ithuriel's spear and grassnut. It is native to California where it is a common wildflower, and it is occasionally found in Oregon. It bears a tall, naked stem topped with a spray of smaller stalks, each ending in a purple or blue flower. The flower is tubular, opening into a sharply six-pointed star. The plant grows from a corm which is edible and similar in taste and use as the potato. The most used common name for the species, Ithuriel's spear, is a reference to the angel Ithuriel from Milton's Paradise Lost.
Wikipedia

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (2)

I spotted these in May 2008--not sure if they are in bloom now. I am planning a hike up to Mt. Diablo in the next few weeks before the rain gets here.
Will look out for this next time,along with the fairy lanterns!

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