Tassel hyacinth, tassel grape hyacinth
The growing season for Muscari comosum is in the spring and can last from April to June in Central Europe. This herbaceous plant spends the rest of the year as a leafless bulb.
The flower stalk grows up to 70 centimeters tall and consists of a cluster of sterile blue flowers in the center and bell-shaped brownish flowers in the lower section. These fertile flowers contain nectar and are visited by bumblebees and other wild bees.
On the flower cluster, I observed species from the genus Bombylius.
The leaves of Muscari comosum may already begin to wither as the flowers open. It grows in meadows, on embankments, and along roadsides, preferring sunny and warm locations.
Characteristics & Description
Height, habit: Perennial, spring-green herbaceous plant, 20 to 70 centimeters
Origin: Europe, North Africa, West Asia; also found as an introduced species in North America and Australia (map)
USDA zone: 6 (-0.4 °F/-18 °C)
Botany
Family: Asparagaceae, Scilloideae subfamily
Name: Muscari comosum (syn. Leopoldia comosa)
Categories: Blue & Purple Flowers | Garden plants | Wildflowers |
