How much sun does Fool's-onion need?

Fool's-onion grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Fool's-onion bloom?

Fool's-onion blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Fool's-onion native?

Fool's-onion (Triteleia hyacinthina) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Fool's-onion attract?

Fool's-onion draws native bees and butterflies.

Fool's-onion

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Triteleia hyacinthina

Last reviewed: October 2026

Fool's-onion (Triteleia hyacinthina) is a perennial forb native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 1 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw native bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Fool's-onion (Triteleia hyacinthina) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

8"–24" H × 3"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, ID, NV, OR and 1 more states

Pollinators

native bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley North American Deserts Central Basin and Range

A bulb-forming perennial with grass-like leaves that die back after bloom and a tall, leafless stalk topped by a rounded umbel of small white, star-shaped flowers. Neat and unobtrusive in a grassland setting.

Growing Fool's-onion

Grow Fool's-onion in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 3 to 6 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its clustered flowers provide nectar for native bees and butterflies during the late spring bloom.

Common questions

How much sun does Fool's-onion need?: Fool's-onion grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Fool's-onion bloom?: Fool's-onion blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Fool's-onion native?: Fool's-onion (Triteleia hyacinthina) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Fool's-onion attract?: Fool's-onion draws native bees and butterflies.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Fool's-onion? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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