Grassnut, Ithuriel's spear
Triteleia laxa

Family: Alliaceae

What it is like

Triteleia laxa is a BULB growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Heavy soils in many habitats below 1400 metres. Open forests, mixed conifer or foothill woodlands, grasslands on clay soils from sea level to 1500 metres.

South-western N. America- California to Oregon.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Bulb - raw or cooked. Tasty. A sweet flavour. Rich in starch, the bulb can be used like potatoes.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds outdoors in a warm position, requiring a rich well-drained sandy loam. Likes plenty of moisture whilst in growth followed by a warm dry period in late summer and autumn. A polymorphic species.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Alternatively, the seed can be sown in spring in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 15°c. Sow the seed thinly so that there is no need to prick them out and grow the seedlings on in the pot for their first year. Give an occasional liquid feed to ensure that they do not become mineral deficient. Seedlings are prone to damping off so be careful not to overwater them and keep them well ventilated. When they become dormant, pot up the small bulbs placing about 3 in each pot. Grow them on in the greenhouse for another year or two until the bulbs are about 20mm in diameter and then plant them out into their permanent positions when they are dormant in the autumn. Division of flowering size bulbs in autumn. Dig up the clumps of bulbs, replanting the larger ones direct into their permanent positions. It is best to pot up the smaller ones and grow them on in a greenhouse for a year before planting them out when they are dormant in early autumn.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. By. South Wall. By.

Habit: Bulb

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Brodiaea laxa.