No images found for this plant ID: 7752.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "7752" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
desert mariposa lily
Scientific Name: Calochortus kennedyi var. kennedyi
Family: Liliaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb, Vine
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: AZ (desert mariposa)
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's admired for its brightly colored flowers that bring a splash of color to arid landscapes.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- The Desert Mariposa Lily grows from a bulb.
Common Names
- Desert Mariposa
- Red Mariposa-lily
- Flame Mariposa
- Desert Mariposa Tulip
- Kennedy's Mariposa
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Calochortus kennedyi
- Family: Liliaceae (Lily Family)
- Genus: Calochortus
- Synonyms: Calochortus kennedyi Porter var. munzii Jepson
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to desert regions of southeastern California, western Arizona, southern Nevada, and parts of Sonora and Chihuahua (Mexico).
- Found on desert and mountain slopes and in Joshua tree woodlands.
- Thrives in the desert of the American Southwest.
Morphological Characteristics
- A perennial forb that grows from a bulb.
- The plant typically ranges in size from 4 to 30 inches.
- Features vermilion, orange, or yellow flowers that are often described as bell-shaped and clustered atop short stems.
Quirky Facts
- The flowers are known for their brilliant orange color, sometimes described as "day glow".
- It is also known as the Desert Mariposa Tulip.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Observed growing near prickly pear cactus, potentially for protection.
Traditional Uses
- Ancient Native Americans harvested the onion-like bulbs for food.
Further Resources
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Discover Life