Brodiaea matsonii
Sulphur creek brodiaea
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Themidaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Brodiaea matsonii (Sulphur creek brodiaea) is a native California herb in the Themidaceae family, recognized by extremely limited range.
Sulphur creek brodiaea is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in intermittent streambeds in foothill woodlands at elevations of 190 to 235 meters. Flowering in June, this plant produces pink to white flowers in an urn-shaped perianth 17 to 27 millimeters long with spreading lobes. Growing with a slender scape 10 to 25 centimeters tall, it emerges from underground corms. Its flowers feature distinctive white staminodes with notched tips and inrolled margins, creating an intricate floral structure. The plant's delicate pink and white bloom is particularly notable for its complex stamen arrangement and slender, elegant form.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; extremely limited range
Habitat and range
Habitat: Intermittent streambeds in foothill woodlands
Elevation: 190-235 m
Bloom period
Brodiaea matsonii blooms Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
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 matsonii native to California?
Yes. Brodiaea matsonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Brodiaea matsonii bloom?
Brodiaea matsonii blooms Jun.
What plant family does Brodiaea matsonii belong to?
Brodiaea matsonii is in the Themidaceae family, genus Brodiaea.
Is Brodiaea matsonii rare or endangered?
Brodiaea matsonii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Brodiaea matsonii grow in?
Brodiaea matsonii grows in Intermittent streambeds in foothill woodlands.
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 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.