SafePlants

Sexton Mountain Mariposa Lily (Calochortus indecorus)

The Sexton Mountain mariposa lily, scientifically known as Calochortus indecorus, is a plant in the lily family (Liliaceae). It is also commonly referred to as the Sexton Mountain Mariposa Lily.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant grows from a bulb.

Considerations for Children

• This plant grows from a bulb.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calochortus indecorus Ownbey & M. Peck
• Family: Liliaceae (Lily Family)
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms: None explicitly mentioned, but note the various spellings and capitalization styles used in different sources.

Distribution and Habitat

• The Sexton Mountain mariposa lily was known only from Sexton Mountain in southern Oregon.
• Specifically, it was known from the type collection made in 1948.
• It was historically found in the Oregon portion of the Klamath Mountains ecoregion.

Ecological Role

• The text indicates that habitat destruction due to road construction (Interstate 5) may have contributed to its extinction.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is described as a forb/herb, which means it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• It is a bulbous, herbaceous, perennial plant.
• It is thought to have flowered in late May to early June in the Sexton Mountain range.

Conservation Status

• The Sexton Mountain mariposa lily is currently listed as ENDANGERED and possibly extinct.
• It is believed to have gone extinct due to grazing, farming, and road construction.

Quirky Facts

• The Sexton Mountain Mariposa Lily was unintentionally exterminated by a road crew building Interstate 5 in the 1960s.
• The plant was last seen in 1947.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Calochortus indecorus.
• Garden Guides provides plant information, identification details, and gardening information about the Sexton Mountain Mariposa Lily.