Brodiaea jolonensis
Mesa brodiaea, chaparral cluster-lily, Chaparral Cluster-Lily
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Family: Themidaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Brodiaea jolonensis (Mesa brodiaea) is a native California herb in the Themidaceae family, recognized by violet staminodes diagnostic.
Mesa brodiaea is a California native perennial found in south-central coastal Ranges in grasslands and foothill woodlands at elevations below 300 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces violet flowers with ascending perianth lobes 12 to 16 millimeters long, displaying delicate recurved tips. Growing with a slender scape 5 to 15 centimeters tall, it emerges from an underground corm with elegant simplicity. Its flowers feature distinctive staminodes leaning toward stamens, with violet margins and hooded, slightly notched tips. The delicate violet perianth is cylindric or narrow bell-shaped, with thick, opaque petals that remain intact after flowering.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; violet staminodes diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassland, foothill woodland
Elevation: < 300 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, Ventura, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Riverside, Orange, Sonoma
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Brodiaea jolonensis blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Triteleia: Count the stamens: Brodiaea has 3 fertile stamens, Triteleia has 6.; vs Dipterostemon: Brodiaea has straight flower stalks; Dipterostemon stalks curve or bend.; vs Dichelostemma: Brodiaea stalks stay straight and upright; Dichelostemma stalks curve, twist, or twine.; vs Sisyrinchium: Brodiaea flowers are tubular; Sisyrinchium flowers are flat and star-shaped.; vs Scilla: Brodiaea has tubular flowers with visible stamens inside; Scilla has bell-shaped flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brodiaea jolonensis native to California?
Yes. Brodiaea jolonensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Brodiaea jolonensis bloom?
Brodiaea jolonensis blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Brodiaea jolonensis grow?
Brodiaea jolonensis occurs in San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, Ventura, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Riverside and other counties, at elevations of < 300 m.
What plant family does Brodiaea jolonensis belong to?
Brodiaea jolonensis is in the Themidaceae family, genus Brodiaea.
What habitat does Brodiaea jolonensis grow in?
Brodiaea jolonensis grows in Grassland, foothill woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.