Triteleia hendersonii
Henderson's triteleia
(c) Nolan Exe, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nolan Exe · licence
Family: Themidaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Triteleia hendersonii (Henderson's triteleia) is a native California herb in the Themidaceae family, recognized by distinctive dark purple midveins on flower lobes.
Henderson's triteleia is a rare California native (CNPS 2B.2) perennial found in the northern Klamath Ranges on dry slopes at elevations of 100 to 3,000 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces white to yellow flowers with distinctive dark purple midveins, often fading to blue, 18 to 26 millimeters long with spreading lobes. Growing with slender scapes 10 to 35 centimeters tall that are smooth or slightly rough near the base, it forms elegant flowering stems. Its linear leaves reach 15 to 40 centimeters long and 3 to 12 millimeters wide, providing a delicate backdrop to the unusual flower coloration. The flowers feature blue anthers and awl-like filaments, creating an intricate and distinctive botanical display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 10 sympatric species; distinctive dark purple midveins on flower lobes
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry slopes
Elevation: 100-3000 m
California counties: Siskiyou
Outside California: southwestern Oregon
Bloom period
Triteleia hendersonii blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Brodiaea: Triteleia has six fertile stamens; Brodiaea has only three fertile stamens plus three white petal-like staminodes.; vs Dipterostemon: Triteleia has tubular flowers; Dipterostemon flowers open wide and spreading.; vs Allium: Triteleia has no onion smell; Allium smells like onion when crushed.; vs Bloomeria: Triteleia has tubular flowers; Bloomeria has spreading golden stars with a nectar cup.; vs Muilla: Triteleia flowers form clear tubes; Muilla petals spread wide and nearly separate.
Frequently asked questions
Is Triteleia hendersonii native to California?
Yes. Triteleia hendersonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Triteleia hendersonii bloom?
Triteleia hendersonii blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Triteleia hendersonii grow?
Triteleia hendersonii occurs in Siskiyou, at elevations of 100-3000 m.
What plant family does Triteleia hendersonii belong to?
Triteleia hendersonii is in the Themidaceae family, genus Triteleia.
Is Triteleia hendersonii rare or endangered?
Triteleia hendersonii carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S1.
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.