PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in bright direct sunlight for most of the day, with light afternoon shade in hot summer climates
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent bulb rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; tolerates cool spring temperatures and mild summer heat, avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 28°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Linear, grass-like blue-green basal leaves, up to 20 cm long
- Flower: Dense umbels of bright golden yellow star-shaped blooms, 1–2 cm across
- Bulb: Small ovoid underground bulb with papery outer tunic
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth and flowering
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced liquid fertilizer once every 2 weeks during active growth. None
Eggshell powder top-dressing：Sprinkle 1–2 tsp of crushed, baked eggshell powder around the base of clumps in early spring; avoid direct contact with bulbs to prevent tissue burnPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to prevent unwanted self-seeding and direct energy back to bulb development
- Trim yellowed foliage to ground level after flowering to tidy clumps
- Divide overcrowded bulb clumps every 3–4 years in autumn to maintain plant health
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains thiosulphate which causes hemolytic anemia in cats
Humans: Ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset including nausea and abdominal pain
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; edible in small human quantities but toxic to pets
