Ithuriel's Spear (Triteleia laxa) is in the agave and allies family (Asparagaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 8,374 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.
Nationally it blooms mainly from April to June, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Ithuriel's Spear: observations by month (U.S.)
About Ithuriel's Spear
Triteleia laxa (previously Brodiaea laxa) is a triplet lily known by several common names, including Ithuriel's spear, common triteleia and grassnut. It is native to California where it is a common wildflower, and it is occasionally found in southwestern Oregon. It bears a tall, naked stem topped with a spray of smaller stalks, each ending in a purple or blue flower. The flower is tubular, opening into a sharply six-pointed star. The plant grows from a...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Ithuriel's Spear by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 8,370 | May | Apr–Jun |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (agave and allies)
Blue Dicks
common star-of-Bethlehem
Chaparral Yucca
Canada mayflower
Solomon's plume
Desert Lily
Small Camas
Ookow
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Ithuriel's Spear?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from April to June.
Where is Ithuriel's Spear most often seen?
The most observations come from California.