Triplet-lily (Triteleia laxa, Trans. Hort. Soc. London, ser. 2, 1: 413 (1834 publ. 1835))

Family: Asparagaceae

Author: Benth.

Bibliography: Trans. Hort. Soc. London, ser. 2, 1: 413 (1834 publ. 1835)

Year: 1835

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Triteleia

Vegetable: False

Observations: California

Description

The Triplet-lily, scientifically known as Triteleia laxa, is a captivating and vibrant member of the Asparagaceae family. This perennial herbaceous plant is renowned for its stunning inflorescence and its native habitat in the diverse Californian landscape. The enchanting Triplet-lily was first described by the noted botanist George Bentham in 1835, under the publication “Transactions of the Horticultural Society of London.”

Triteleia laxa stands out in gardens and wildflower meadows with its delicate, star-shaped blossoms. Each flower cluster or umbel typically comprises numerous attractive, funnel-shaped flowers that can range in color from deep lavender to blue-violet, occasionally presenting in white. This range of hues adds a mesmerizing splash of color, making the Triplet-lily a popular choice for ornamental gardening.

In its natural habitat, the Triplet-lily thrives in the wilds of California, often found on grassy slopes, meadows, and open woodlands. It flourishes in areas with well-drained soil and is well-adapted to the Mediterranean climate of its native region, which is characterized by wet winters and dry summers. This adaptability also makes it a hardy plant for cultivation in similar climates around the globe.

The Triplet-lily blooms from late spring to early summer, with its blossoms attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This not only enhances the biodiversity of its growing environment but also supports the broader ecosystem. Additionally, Triteleia laxa is noteworthy for its ease of care, requiring minimal maintenance once established. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade, although it exhibits the most prolific flowering in sunnier spots.

Gardeners and botanists value the Triplet-lily not only for its beauty but also for its role in ecological preservation. By planting Triteleia laxa, one contributes to the conservation of native species and the support of local wildlife, promoting a healthy and balanced environment.

In conclusion, Triteleia laxa, or the Triplet-lily, is a splendid example of California’s rich flora, offering both aesthetic pleasure and ecological benefits. Its historical documentation by Bentham and its enduring appeal in horticulture underscore its importance and the lasting interest in this remarkable plant.

Common Names

Deu: blaue triteleie
Eng: ithuriel’s spear, ithuriel’s-spear, common triteleia, grassnut, triplet-lily
Dan: lilla brodea, royal blue
Swe: blå bukettlilja
En: Triplet-lily, Grassnut, Ithuriel’s-spear, Common triteleia, Ithuriel’s spear
Da: Lilla Brodea, Royal Blue
De: Blaue Triteleie
Sv: Blå bukettlilja

Synonyms

• Hookera laxa ((Benth.) Kuntze)
• Milla laxa ((Benth.) Baker)
• Seubertia laxa ((Benth.) Kunth)
• Brodiaea candida ((Greene) Baker)
• Triteleia angustiflora (A.Heller)
• Triteleia candida (Greene)
• Brodiaea laxa var. candida ((Greene) Jeps.)
• Brodiaea laxa ((Benth.) S.Watson)
• Seubertia obscura (Borzì)
• Brodiaea laxa var. nimia (Jeps.)
• Brodiaea laxa var. tracyi (Jeps.)
• Tulophos laxa ((Benth.) Raf.)

Distribution

• California (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 2020 by Fini jimena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2020 by Nicoló Nicastro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Luke Bower (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2021 by Rico Mende (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 25, 2022 by Russ DuPree (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2021 by Katrina Clemo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by mick flynn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2019 by Wilhelm Rogmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2021 by Jem Casey (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2021 by Rico Mende (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 18, 2013 by EOL − nselph (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 19, 2013 by EOL − Rana Dray (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 12, 2013 by EOL − Ross Millikan (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 5, 2013 by EOL − snakeinmypocket (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 27, 2015 by EOL − ciara (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Jul 21, 2019 by Wilhelm Rogmann (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5304187)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:542693-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Triteleia laxa Benth.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth