Calochortus elegans

Calochortus elegans, also known as the elegant mariposa lily, is a species of flowering plant in the Liliaceae family. It is native to the western United States, where it is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and scrub.

Description

Calochortus elegans is a perennial herb that grows from a bulb. It produces one or two basal leaves and a slender, erect stem up to 40 centimeters tall. The leaves are linear to lanceolate in shape and up to 20 centimeters long. The inflorescence is a solitary flower or a loose cluster of up to three flowers. The flowers are bell-shaped and up to 5 centimeters long. They are white to pale pink with a dark purple spot at the base of each petal. The fruit is a capsule up to 5 centimeters long.

Distribution and habitat

Calochortus elegans is found in the western United States, from Washington and Oregon south to California and east to Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and scrub, at elevations from sea level to 2,500 meters.

Cultivation

Calochortus elegans is not commonly cultivated, but it can be grown in a well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It is hardy to USDA zone 5. The bulbs should be planted in the fall, 5 to 10 centimeters deep and 10 to 15 centimeters apart. The plants require a dry summer dormancy period.

Conservation status

Calochortus elegans is not considered to be at risk of extinction, but its habitat is threatened by development, agriculture, and invasive species.

References

• Flora of North America (1993). Calochortus elegans. New York: Oxford University Press.
• The Plant List (2013). Calochortus elegans. Kew: Royal Botanic Gardens.