Blue Dicks
Dichelostemma capitatum

[di-kel-o-STEM-ma  kap-i-TAY-tum]

FAMILY: Liliaceae (Lily)

DESCRIPTION: {native} This early spring lily has two or three linear basal leaves with a leafless stem topped with a tight umbel of light purple flowers. These flowers have three large stamens and three smaller stamens, partly hidden beneath white appendages.

HABITAT: Open woodlands and grasslands below 7,000.

NOTES: They are pollinated by various insects. Along with this red beetle, we watched a large yellow and black butterfly feed on 8 to 10 separate plants being sure to get nectar from each of the flowers of each plant.