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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Dichelostemma ida-maia
Dichelostemma ida-maia (Alph. Wood) Greene
Firecracker Flower
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
Synonym(s): Brevoortia ida-maia, Brodiaea ida-maia
USDA Symbol: DIID
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Tubular, red flowers hanging in an umbel atop a leafless stalk commonly with 3 long, narrow, grass-like leaves at base.
The brilliant red flowers resemble loose clusters of firecrackers tied together by the ends of their fuses. It is one of the most charming and unusual of California wildflowers. The species name is said to have been suggested by a stagecoach driver who showed the plant to an early collector; it honors the driver's niece, Ida May.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Scape up to about 3 feet tall.
Fruit: Seeds black, sharply angled.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: RedBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: CA , ORNative Distribution: Southwestern Oregon to northwestern California.
Native Habitat: Grassy slopes in woodland openings at low or moderate elevations.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Dichelostemma ida-maia in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Dichelostemma ida-maia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Dichelostemma ida-maia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-04-11Research By: TWC Staff