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subalpine mariposa lily

Scientific Name: Calochortus subalpinus

Family: Liliaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Subalpine Mariposa Lily (Calochortus subalpinus)

The Calochortus subalpinus, commonly known as the Subalpine Mariposa Lily, is a beautiful wildflower native to western North America. It belongs to the lily family (Liliaceae).

Common Names

  • Subalpine Mariposa Lily
  • Mountain Mariposa Lily
  • Cat's-ear Lily
  • Cascade Mariposa Lily
  • Mountain Cat's Ear

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Calochortus subalpinus Piper
  • Family: Liliaceae (Lily family)
  • Note: The provided text also lists related species and synonyms or misspellings like "Calochortus subalpina".

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the northwestern United States.
  • Found in open woods and drier meadows, particularly in the Cascades region.
  • Observed in subalpine areas of Washington and Oregon.
  • Also seen in the Goat Rocks Wilderness Area, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington, USA.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Stem is upright and unbranched.
  • Features a basal, grass-like leaf, which is about as long as the stem.
  • Flowers occur in clusters of 1 to 5.
  • The flower is noted for having a rounded shape with three large, rounded petals, often white.

Quirky Facts

  • One source playfully describes the flower's petals as resembling "kittens ear" due to their furry appearance.

Further Information

  • MountainNature.com - Field Guide for the next Millennium
  • Oregon Hikers Field Guide
  • California Academy of Sciences
  • Discover Life