Triplet-lily
Triteleia laxa
Last reviewed: July 2026
Triteleia laxa (Triplet-lily) is a California native forb that blooms blue flowers from May through July in full sun with low water needs.
Triplet-lily (Triteleia laxa) 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
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Triteleia laxa, commonly known as Triplet-lily or Ithuriel's spear, produces lovely clusters of blue to purple funnel-shaped flowers on slender stems. This native bulb emerges in spring, blooms in early summer, and then goes dormant after flowering. It naturalizes well in meadows or lightly shaded areas.
Growing Triplet-lily
Grow Triplet-lily in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Triplet-lily is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
- Foliage dies back completely after blooming
- Best planted in groups among other plants that provide coverage during dormancy
- May look untidy if not deadheaded after bloom period
Wildlife value
The showy flowers attract native bees and butterflies, providing valuable nectar during late spring and early summer. Beneficial pollinators particularly appreciate these blooms when other nectar sources become scarce.
Common questions
- When does Triteleia laxa bloom?
- Triplet-lily blooms from May through July, producing clusters of blue to purple tubular flowers.
- What pollinators visit Triteleia laxa?
- Triplet-lily attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers during the spring and early summer bloom period.
- Where is Triteleia laxa native?
- Triplet-lily is native to California, where it grows naturally in grasslands, oak woodlands, and chaparral habitats.
- Is Triplet-lily toxic to dogs?
- Triplet-lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Triplet-lily toxic to cats?
- Triplet-lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Triplet-lily HOA-friendly?
- Triplet-lily is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate 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 Triplet-lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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