Douglas' Brodiaea (Brodiaea douglasii)

These lovely spring flowers (April or May depending upon how early it gets warm) vary from almost white with blue lines on the petals to deep blue purple. It often seems the color depends upon the site. This deep blue one was photographed on the top of McBee (overlooking Benton City). The pale one was done in the Kennewick area.

The flower stems are long and slender, arising from a bulb, one to a plant, with a "ball" of blooms on top. There are long slender leaves that sometimes fade before the flowers are open. Three of the petals of Douglas' Brodiaea have wavy edges. This is the characteristic that separates them from Howell's Brodiaea. Some of the buds, however, appear papery while others seem waxy. This deep blue one was photographed on the top of McBee (overlooking Benton City).

Wildflower photos and accompanying descriptive text © Jean H. Zach