Golden Stars are bulbs found in coast scrub and chaparral communities. The plants grow in many soils including clay and decomposed granite. It is a perennial that grows in sun and part shade and in areas that allow it to grow above surrounding foliage and to dry out in summer for seeding. Golden Stars respond well to plant ash fertilizer.
Bloomeria crocea is the scientific name. The plant was named after the botanist Dr. Hiram Green Bloomer and crocea means saffron-colored.
The top photos were taken on More Mesa. The lower left on Alisal Road, and the lower right on San Marcos Foothills.