Dichelostemma congestum
Going by several common names; Ookaw, Field Cluster-Lily or Northern Saitas is a fast-growing, delicate wildflower that adds splashes of blue to well-draining sunny areas. Its sparse foliage fits perfectly in dry perennial beds and meadowscapes, where it goes virtually unnoticed until it’s globe-shaped clusters of bluish-purple flowers seem to suddenly appear, suspended from purple-veined bracts, cheerfully announcing summer.
- Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous perennial herbaceous plant/ground layer
- Size at maturity: 0-2' high, 0-1' wide
- Light requirements: full sun, part sun / part shade
- Moisture requirements: dry to moist, well-drained soil
- Bloom Time: May - August
- Growth rate/ease: fast growth rate, easy to grow
- Wildlife support: nectar source for adult butterflies, native bees, and other insect pollinators; attracts and supports hummingbirds
- Native habitat/range: Common in meadows, open rocky areas, and open forests throughout western Oregon, especially in the Cascades and east Cascades, up to 1600 meters. Portland Plant List - yes.
- Special features & uses: attracts and supports hummingbirds, pollinator gardens and wildflower meadows
Gardening with Cluster Lily: Plant in multiples, among your dry meadowscapes, pollinator gardens, rock gardens and other perennial beds to add splashes of spring and early summer color.
Photo Credit 1: "Ookow Dichelostemma congestum" by loarie is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Photo Credit 2: "Pale Swallowtail on Forktooth Ookow (Dichelostemma congestum) 2014-05-31 (7)" by Don Henise is licensed under CC BY 2.0