Wild Hyacinth
(Brodiaea douglasii)
EDIBLE - see below
History: "Brodiaea" was named for James J. Brodie, a Scotch botanist. "Douglasii" indicates that the species designation of the plant was named for David Douglas.
Description: The Wild Hyacinth has blue, tubular-shaped flowers in a cluster at the top called an umbel. There are 5 to 15 flowers in the umbel with each flower about 1 inch long. This flower cluster sits at the top of a slender leafless stem which has a few basal, grass like leaves that are shorter than the stem. The Wild Hyacinth has a coated bulb. It blooms in late April to early May.
Habitat: Found in open woods of valleys, hills and mountains as well as meadows and rocky areas.
Medicinal value: The bulb of this plant is edible and was a particular favorite of the Nez Perce Indians. It was eaten either raw or cooked and has a sweet, nutlike flavor.
Alerts & Warnings
- Flat Creek Forest Road 462A Closure, Priest Lake Ranger District
- Catspur Creek Road and Area Closure, St. Joe Ranger District,
- Ridge Creek Salvage Sale Road Closure, CDA River Ranger District
- Hiawatha Rail Trail Closure, St. Joe Ranger District
- Huckelberry Trail #802 Closure, CDA River Ranger District
- Green Bay Closure, Sandpoint Ranger District
- Solo Creek Quartz Dig Site Closure, Priest Lake Ranger District
- Chilco Mountain Trail Closure, CDA River Ranger District
- Kootenai River Complex Closure, Bonners Ferry Ranger District