How much sun does Fork-tooth ookow need?

Fork-tooth ookow grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Fork-tooth ookow bloom?

Fork-tooth ookow blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Fork-tooth ookow native?

Fork-tooth ookow (Dichelostemma congestum) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Fork-tooth ookow attract?

Fork-tooth ookow draws native bees and bee flies.

Fork-tooth ookow

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Dichelostemma congestum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Fork-tooth ookow (Dichelostemma congestum) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees and bee flies.

Fork-tooth ookow (Dichelostemma congestum) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 3"–6" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

native bees, bee flies

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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 Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A perennial bulb with a few grass-like basal leaves and a tight, ball-like cluster of tubular purple flowers atop a leafless stalk. Goes dormant underground through summer after blooming in grassland and open woodland.

Growing Fork-tooth ookow

Grow Fork-tooth ookow in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 3 to 6 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The dense flower clusters attract native bees and bee flies in spring, and the corms historically were an important food source dug by indigenous peoples.

Common questions

How much sun does Fork-tooth ookow need?: Fork-tooth ookow grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Fork-tooth ookow bloom?: Fork-tooth ookow blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Fork-tooth ookow native?: Fork-tooth ookow (Dichelostemma congestum) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Fork-tooth ookow toxic to dogs?: Fork-tooth ookow is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Fork-tooth ookow toxic to cats?: Fork-tooth ookow is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Fork-tooth ookow attract?: Fork-tooth ookow draws native bees and bee flies.

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.

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