Bloomeria crocea var. montana
Mountain goldenstar
(c) Adam J. Searcy, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Adam J. Searcy · licence
Family: Themidaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Bloomeria crocea var. montana (Mountain goldenstar) is a native California herb in the Themidaceae family, recognized by montane habitat, elevation, and prominent tapered nectar cups.
Mountain goldenstar is a California native perennial found in the Tehachapi Mountains, southern Coast Ranges, and western Transverse Ranges in chaparral and yellow-pine forest at elevations of 300 to 1,700 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces bright yellow flowers with perianth segments 11 to 13 millimeters long and distinctive nectar cup cusps. Growing with slender stems emerging from a bulb, it forms delicate clumps in its woodland and chaparral habitats. Its narrow, grass-like leaves emerge from the base of the plant, providing a subtle green backdrop to its vibrant yellow blooms. The flowers are characterized by their golden yellow color and unique nectar cup structure, creating a striking display in its native California landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 3 species; distinguished by montane habitat, elevation, and prominent tapered nectar cups
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, yellow-pine forest
Elevation: 300-1700 m
California counties: Kern, Los Angeles, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Monterey, Riverside, San Diego
Bloom period
Bloomeria crocea var. montana blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Triteleia: Bloomeria has golden spreading stars; Triteleia has tubular flowers in purple, blue, white, or pale yellow.; vs Primula: Bloomeria grows from bulbs with grass-like leaves; Primula has basal rosettes of broad leaves.; vs Muilla: Bloomeria flowers are golden yellow; Muilla flowers are white.; vs Androstephium: Bloomeria has spreading star petals; Androstephium has tubular flowers.; vs Brodiaea: Bloomeria has golden spreading stars; Brodiaea has purple tubular flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bloomeria crocea var. montana native to California?
Yes. Bloomeria crocea var. montana is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Bloomeria crocea var. montana bloom?
Bloomeria crocea var. montana blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Bloomeria crocea var. montana grow?
Bloomeria crocea var. montana occurs in Kern, Los Angeles, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Monterey, Riverside, San Diego, at elevations of 300-1700 m.
What plant family does Bloomeria crocea var. montana belong to?
Bloomeria crocea var. montana is in the Themidaceae family, genus Bloomeria.
What habitat does Bloomeria crocea var. montana grow in?
Bloomeria crocea var. montana grows in Chaparral, yellow-pine forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Bloomeria humilis — Dwarf goldenstar
- Bloomeria sp. — Goldenstar
- Bloomeria clevelandii — San diego goldenstar
- Bloomeria crocea — Common goldenstar
- Bloomeria crocea var. aurea — Common goldenstar
- Bloomeria crocea var. crocea — Common goldenstar
- Brodiaea appendiculata — Appendage brodiaea
- Brodiaea californica — California brodiaea
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.