Brodiaea leptandra
Narrow-flowered california brodiaea
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Family: Themidaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Brodiaea leptandra (Narrow-flowered california brodiaea) is a native California perennial in the Themidaceae family, recognized by tall stature and narrow outer lobes diagnostic.
Narrow-flowered california brodiaea is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in northern California Coast Ranges (Napa, Lake, and Sonoma counties) in open mixed-evergreen forest and chaparral with gravelly soil at elevations of 40 to 1,220 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces violet flowers with green midribs, featuring perianth lobes 19.5 to 30 millimeters long with recurved tips and contrasting white to lavender staminodes. Growing with a stout scape 20 to 70 centimeters tall, it emerges from a robust underground corm. Its narrow leaves are grass-like and emerge from the base of the plant, typically lying close to the ground. The flower's translucent cylindric tube splits open as the fruit develops, revealing intricate internal structures.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; tall stature and narrow outer lobes diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open mixed-evergreen forest, chaparral, gravelly soil
Elevation: 40-1220 m
California counties: Sonoma, Napa, Lake
Bloom period
Brodiaea leptandra blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 leptandra native to California?
Yes. Brodiaea leptandra is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Brodiaea leptandra bloom?
Brodiaea leptandra blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Brodiaea leptandra grow?
Brodiaea leptandra occurs in Sonoma, Napa, Lake, at elevations of 40-1220 m.
What plant family does Brodiaea leptandra belong to?
Brodiaea leptandra is in the Themidaceae family, genus Brodiaea.
Is Brodiaea leptandra rare or endangered?
Brodiaea leptandra carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S3?.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.