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Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Calochortus elegans (Elegant mariposa lily)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Calochortus elegans Pursh

Elegant mariposa lily

Liliaceae (Lily Family)

USDA Symbol: CAEL

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A small plant with slender, bent stems and a few white flowers in a branched cluster shorter than the single grass-like leaf.

The name Star Tulip refers to the flowers shape and Cats Ears to the petals resemblance to a kittens ear. Similar species are distinguished by characteristics of the gland and pod.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Flower:
Fruit:

Bloom Information

Bloom Time: May , Jun

Distribution

USA: CA , ID , MT , OR , WA
Native Distribution: Southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon to western Montana.
Native Habitat: Grassy hillsides and open coniferous woods.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Benefit

Use Food: Bulb consumed by indigenous peoples.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Bibliography

Bibref 1218 - Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources (2006) Anderson, M. Kat

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Calochortus elegans in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Calochortus elegans in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Calochortus elegans

Metadata

Record Modified: 2008-10-20
Research By: TWC Staff

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