Dwarf Brodiaea
Brodiaea terrestris
Last reviewed: June 2026
Dwarf Brodiaea (Brodiaea terrestris) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–12" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, OR
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Dwarf brodiaea is a charming native perennial with grass-like foliage and small star-shaped purple flowers on short stems in spring. These delicate wildflowers grow from small corms and blend beautifully with grasses or as accents in rock gardens. They go dormant in summer after blooming.
In an HOA neighborhood
Dwarf Brodiaea is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone, backyard only.
- Small stature makes it less noticeable as a feature plant
- Goes dormant after flowering which may leave bare spots
- Best incorporated into designed beds rather than as standalone
Wildlife value
The purple flowers of dwarf brodiaea provide nectar for native bees and other pollinators in late spring and early summer when many other plants have finished blooming.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Dwarf Brodiaea fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.