Dichelostemma Capitatum
Dipterostemon capitatus (Benth.) Rydb. (syn. Dichelostemma capitatum)
Dichelostemma capitatum, known as Blue Dicks or Wild Hyacinth, is a charming native North American wildflower producing tight, spherical clusters of purple-blue bells on tall, slender stems in early spring. It symbolizes resilience, community, and the irrepressible beauty of wild things.
Asparagaceae, subfamily Brodiaeoideae (formerly Liliaceae)
Late winter to late spring (February to May); one of the earliest spring wildflowers
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: purple shooting stars and golden alpine asters also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Blue Dicks hold deep significance in the cultural landscape of Native California and the American Southwest, where they were among the most important food plants harvested by many indigenous communities. The corms served as a vital starch source, in some regions rivaling acorns as a dietary staple. Their early spring blooming, pushing up from bare hillsides and parched grasslands as one of the first wildflowers of the year, made them a natural symbol of the return of life and abundance. The name Dichelostemma derives from the Greek for "a garland twice-parted to the middle," describing the distinctive crown-like arrangement of the stamens. The plant's ability to remain dormant for years in drought before erupting into bloom after rain gives it a powerful association with resilience, patience, and the irrepressible energy of wild nature.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; most abundant and floriferous in full sun open grassland habitats
Water
Low to moderate; summer drought tolerant; the corm goes dormant in summer dry season; plant in fall, water through spring flowering, then allow to dry
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Loamy, Rocky, Clay, Tolerates poor soils
Expert Growing Tips
Plant corms in fall, 3 to 4 inches deep (7 to 10 cm) for larger corms, 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) for smaller ones
Space corms 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart for a natural clustered look, or scatter corms and plant where they fall for a wild effect
Do not water in summer once foliage has died back; mimics the natural summer drought of the plant's native California habitat
Seed-grown plants take several years to reach flowering size; corms are the easiest propagation method
One of the most drought-adapted spring bulbs available; ideal for dry summer gardens
May remain dormant for several years in arid habitats, re-emerging after particularly wet seasons or following fire
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Native wildflower meadows and naturalistic grassland plantings
- Rock gardens and dry garden borders
- Cottage and woodland garden spring bulb displays
- Cut flowers with a moderate vase life
- Groundcover planting in groups for maximum visual impact
- Edible flowers used as decoration in salads and desserts
Traditional Uses
- Corms were an important food source for many Native American tribes of California, the Great Basin, and the Southwest
- Corms were baked, boiled, or eaten raw; they were a major starch source, in some regions rivaling acorns in dietary importance
- The Kawaiisu people called the plant uyivi and gathered the corms extensively as a food staple
- Edible flowers can be eaten raw as decoration in salads and desserts
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dichelostemma Capitatum
What does Dichelostemma capitatum symbolize?
Dichelostemma capitatum symbolizes resilience, wild beauty, and the renewal of spring. Its ability to lie dormant for years in drought and emerge after rain, combined with its deep cultural roots as an important food source for Native California peoples, makes it a powerful emblem of tenacity and community.
Why are Blue Dicks called Blue Dicks?
The origin of the name is genuinely uncertain. The most accepted explanation is that "Dick" is a shortened form of the genus name Dichelostemma. However, the common name predates the genus, and some botanists suggest it may have originated with early California miners or settlers. The "blue" refers to the distinctly blue-violet color of the flower clusters.
Are Blue Dicks edible?
Yes. The corms of Dichelostemma capitatum were a major food source for many Native American peoples of California and the Southwest, where they were baked, boiled, or eaten raw as an important starch source. The flowers are also edible and can be used raw as a decoration in salads and desserts.
When do Blue Dicks bloom?
Blue Dicks bloom from late winter through late spring, typically February to May depending on elevation and location. They are among the earliest spring wildflowers to appear in California's grasslands and chaparral, often blooming while the surrounding landscape is still relatively bare.
Is Dichelostemma capitatum the same as Dipterostemon capitatus?
Yes. In 2017, based on morphological and molecular evidence, the species was formally moved from Dichelostemma back to the older genus Dipterostemon as Dipterostemon capitatus. Many sources including the Jepson Flora Project now use Dipterostemon capitatus, though Dichelostemma capitatum remains widely used in horticulture and popular literature.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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