Bloomeria crocea

Common Names

Common Goldenstar, Golden Stars, Common Goldenstars, Goldenstar, Golden Star

Summary

Golden star is a perennial geophyte native to southern California and northern Baja California. It grows from an underground fibrous corm, usually with a single basal grasslike leaf that withers before flowering, and a tall leafless scape bearing a loose umbel of golden-yellow star-shaped flowers; the plant reaches about 60 cm in height and occurs in dry flats, hillsides, chaparral edges, and coastal sage scrub.

Cultivation and use: thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant, needing water during the growing season to keep the top inch of soil moist and then drying after foliage dies back; propagation is mainly by corms, with seed possible but slow, taking 3–4 years to reach flowering after germination; bulbs have been eaten raw by Indigenous Californians; suitable for native plantings and wildflower mixes and capable of resprouting after fire.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8-24 inches

Spread

8-20 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, porous sandy loam soil, pH 6.0–8.0.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, porous soil

Soil pH

6.0-8.0, neutral to slightly alkaline, neutral acceptable

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Bright green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow-growing; 3–4 years from germination to flowering.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinators