Description
Fork toothed ookow, or ookow, is an enduring wildflower found in valley grassland, chaparral, oak woodland, pine forest and mixed evergreen forest. It blooms May-June, after its close relative, blue dicks (Dichelostemma capitatum) is generally done blooming. Growing from an underground corm, ookow is a perennial species that goes summer-dormant after blooming in late spring or early summer. When in flower it can grow 1′-2′ tall. It has slender, grass-like leaves at the base of the plant and a naked stem topped by lavender to purple flower clusters with 6-15 flowers. Ookow reproduces by seed and vegetatively via cormlets. It prefers full sun but is adaptable to various soil types and conditions. Once established ookow is very drought tolerant and will not need any summer irrigation, but can tolerate occasional summer irrigation if needed. Very attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, native bees and pollinating flies. When grown from seed ookow take several years to reach flowering size. Ookow is an important part of traditional diet for many Native Americans tribes throughout its range. The corms were/are traditionally dug with digging sticks and have been an important source of starch in the diet.
Ookow (Dichelostemma congestum) seed packets contain approximately 140 seeds.
Seed Germination Instructions
30 days cold-moist stratification. Plant in fall to late winter.
