SafePlants

Mariposa Lily (Calochortus spp.)

The Mariposa Lily, belonging to the genus Calochortus, is a tuliplike perennial plant cherished for its showy flowers. The name "Mariposa" is Spanish for butterfly, referencing the butterfly-like petals of these lilies.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions the plant's bulbs were eaten. While this suggests a history of human interaction, it's important to note that consuming wild plants should be avoided without expert knowledge.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calochortus
• Common Names: Mariposa Lily, Mariposa Tulip, Butterfly Tulip, Star Tulip
• Family: Liliaceae (Lily Family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to California and the Pacific Northwest.
• Also found in the western United States, including Montana, Oregon, and Idaho.
• Grows in various habitats, as suggested by images showing different environments.

Morphological Characteristics

• Perennial plants with narrow leaves and showy flowers.
• Flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, purple, lilac, bluish, orange, red, and bi-colored shades. Petals can be streaked.
• Petal colors can range from white to light lavender, sometimes with a low band of color.
• Flowers of some species, such as Calochortus eurycarpus, have a deep purple or black petal spot.
• Flower petals are shaped like cat's ears.
• Height varies depending on the species, with some reaching up to 18 inches and others between 12-23 inches.

Quirky Facts

• Unlike most other Liliaceae, Calochortus petals differ in size and color from their sepals.
• The bulbs of the Mariposa Lily were historically eaten raw, roasted, or boiled.

Specific Species Mentioned

• Calochortus gunnisonii
• Calochortus flexuosus
• Calochortus nuttallii
• Calochortus albus (White Globe Lily)
• Calochortus amabilis
• Calochortus striatus (Alkali Mariposa Lily)
• Calochortus panamintensis (Panamint Mariposa Lily)
• Calochortus eurycarpus (White Mariposa Lily)
• Calochortus apiculatus (Baker's Mariposa Lily)
• Calochortus leichtlinii
• Calochortus bruneaunis (Bruneau Mariposa Lily, Pinyon Mariposa)
• Calochortus macrocarpus var. maculosus