Muscari neglectum Guss. ex Ten.

Starch Grape Hyacinth

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Starch Grape Hyacinth is an introduced spring flowering bulb in the Hyacinth Family (Hyacinthaceae). It is native to Eurasia, but has been widely planted around the world. In Alabama, it can be found in the central and northern portions of the state. Starch Grape Hyacinth occurs around old home sites, on roadsides, in cemeteries, in lawns, and in pastures. Starch Grape Hyacinth is a perennial from an ovoid bulb. Each bulb produces 3-6 channeled, linear leaves that are 6-10 inches in length. The leaves are produced in the fall or early winter and wither in early spring about the time of flowering. The flowers are produced in a raceme on a stout scape (flowering stalk). The scape is equal to or slightly shorter than the leaves in length. Each raceme contains 20-40 flowers. Flowers are urceolate to cylindrical in shape. They are blue-black in color with white “teeth” surrounding the opening. The flowers near the top of the raceme are sterile and are often smaller in size and paler in color than the fertile flowers. The flowers are fragrant with an odor reminiscent of grapes. The fruit is a capsule. Grape Hyacinths are easy to grow, and tolerate most soil types. Starch Grape Hyacinth is the most heat tolerant of the Grape Hyacinths, and is the only species to occur in central and south Alabama. They prefer full sun, but can be grown in light shade under deciduous trees. They can be allowed to naturalize in lawns, be planted along paths or under trees, or used to provide early color in beds before other plants emerge. They can also be forced indoors.--A. Diamond

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Not Native

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