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desert mariposa lily
Scientific Name: Calochortus kennedyi
Family: Liliaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb, Vine
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Desert Mariposa Lily (Calochortus kennedyi)
The Desert Mariposa Lily, scientifically known as Calochortus kennedyi, is a vibrant wildflower native to the deserts of North America. It is admired for its brilliant orange flowers and resilience in arid environments.
Common Names
- Desert Mariposa
- Red Mariposa-lily
- Flame Mariposa
- Desert Mariposa Tulip
- Kennedy's Mariposa
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Calochortus kennedyi Porter
- Family: Liliaceae (Lily Family)
- Subspecies: Calochortus kennedyi Porter var. munzii Jepson
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to desert regions of southeastern California, western Arizona, southern Nevada, and extending into northernmost parts of Sonora and Chihuahua, Mexico.
- Found in desert and mountain slopes and Joshua tree woodlands from 2,000 feet.
- Thrives in the desert of the American Southwest.
Morphological Characteristics
- Flowers are vermilion, orange, or yellow.
- Plant Form: Forb
- Size: 4 to 30 inches
- Perennial bulb
Quirky Facts
- The Desert Mariposa Lily can be instantly recognized by its brilliant orange flowers.
- Flowers are described as "day glow" orange.
Historical Uses
- Ancient Native Americans harvested the Mariposa Lily's onion-like bulbs for food.