Elegant Cluster-lily
Brodiaea elegans
Last reviewed: July 2026
Brodiaea elegans (Elegant Cluster-lily) is a native California and Oregon wildflower that blooms from May through July with clusters of purple funnel-shaped flowers. This drought-tolerant bulb thrives in full sun and attracts bees and butterflies.
Elegant Cluster-lily (Brodiaea elegans) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), 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
6"–24" H × 3"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, OR
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Elegant cluster-lily produces showy purple or blue flowers atop slender stems in late spring to early summer. This native perennial bulb creates attractive clusters of star-shaped blooms and goes dormant after flowering. It performs well in dry gardens with good drainage.
Growing Elegant Cluster-lily
Grow Elegant Cluster-lily in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 3 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Elegant Cluster-lily 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.
- Foliage dies back completely after blooming
- May appear sparse when planted individually
- Requires thoughtful placement among other plants for year-round appeal
Wildlife value
Provides nectar for native bees and butterflies during its bloom period. The plant supports specialized pollinators adapted to native grassland ecosystems.
Common questions
- When does Brodiaea elegans bloom?
- Brodiaea elegans typically blooms from May through July, producing clusters of purple to blue-purple funnel-shaped flowers.
- Where is Brodiaea elegans native?
- Brodiaea elegans is native to California and Oregon, where it grows in grasslands, oak woodlands, and chaparral communities.
- What pollinators visit Brodiaea elegans?
- Brodiaea elegans attracts various pollinators including native bees and butterflies, which are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers.
- How much water does Brodiaea elegans need?
- Brodiaea elegans is drought-tolerant and requires low water once established, making it well-suited for water-wise gardens and natural rainfall in its native range.
- Is Elegant Cluster-lily toxic to dogs?
- Elegant Cluster-lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Elegant Cluster-lily toxic to cats?
- Elegant Cluster-lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Elegant Cluster-lily HOA-friendly?
- Elegant Cluster-lily is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
Ready to grow Elegant Cluster-lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz