Triteleia laxa aka Ithuriel's Spear

Taxonomy

Triteleia laxa, also known as Ithuriel's spear, common triteleia, and grassnut, is a triplet lily native to California and occasionally found in southwestern Oregon. This half-hardy perennial grows from a corm and produces linear basal leaves up to 40cm long. In early summer, it blooms with loose clusters of funnel-shaped, violet blue flowers, each with a darker stripe along the center of its petals. The flowers open as the leaves die down and are held on stems that can reach up to 60cm high. With its tubular flowers opening into a sharply six-pointed star, Triteleia laxa adds a touch of beauty to gardens and landscapes. Additionally, the corm of this plant is edible and can be used similarly to potatoes. The common name "Ithuriel's spear" is derived from the angel Ithuriel in Milton's Paradise Lost.

Common names

Ithuriel's Spear, Common Triteleia, Grassnut, Triplet Lily

How to care for Ithuriel's Spear

Difficulty

Caring for Ithuriel's Spear is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Ithuriel's Spear should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Ithuriel's Spear loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Ithuriel's Spear requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Common Triteleia is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Ithuriel's Spear as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Ithuriel's Spear’s native range is South-western N. America- California to Oregon.


More info:
Wikipedia