Threadleaf brodiaea
Brodiaea filifolia
Last reviewed: September 2026
Threadleaf brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees.
Toxicity unknown
Threadleaf brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) 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
6"–16" H × 3"–6" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA
Pollinators
native bees
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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A perennial bulb with a single thread-thin leaf that withers before the plant blooms, sending up a leafless stalk topped with a loose cluster of funnel-shaped, violet-purple flowers. Grows in vernal pool margins and clay soil grassland, a species with a very limited range.
Growing Threadleaf brodiaea
Grow Threadleaf brodiaea in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 16 inches tall and spread 3 to 6 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for native bees in vernal pool grassland habitat that supports few other blooming plants at that time.
Common questions
- How much sun does Threadleaf brodiaea need?
- Threadleaf brodiaea grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Threadleaf brodiaea bloom?
- Threadleaf brodiaea blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Threadleaf brodiaea native?
- Threadleaf brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Threadleaf brodiaea attract?
- Threadleaf brodiaea draws native bees.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Threadleaf brodiaea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.