Native Plants

Plant Database

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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Calochortus macrocarpus

Calochortus macrocarpus Douglas

Sagebrush Mariposa Lily, Sagebrush Mariposa-lily, Bigpod Mariposa

Liliaceae (Lily Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: CAMA5

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

This is a stout-stemmed mariposa-lily, 8-20 in. high, with 1-3 showy flowers. At top of stout, erect, generally unbranched stems bloom 1-3 handsome bell-shaped, lilac flowers in a loose umbel-like cluster. Petals are purple with a central green stripe and often a purple band above the gland. The leaves of this bulbous perennial are grass-like.

One of the most frequent Mariposa Tulips in the arid Northwest. A white phase with a reddish stripe on each petal occurs in southeastern Washington and adjacent west-central Idaho.

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 20 inches tall.
Leaf: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Purple
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: CA , ID , MT , NV , OR , WA
Native Distribution: N.e. CA & n. NV, n. to B.C. & s.w. MT
Native Habitat: Dry plains; sagebrush slopes; 4000-6000 ft.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Dry, usually volcanic, soils.
Conditions Comments: All Calochortus spp. are extremely difficult in cultivation. Flowering bulbs must be raised from seed for any success and bulbs must be kept completely dry from mid-summer to late fall. Bulbs will protection from gophers and moles.

Benefit

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

Propagation

Description: Plant seed in late autumn in pots, flats or outdoor seed beds. Corms reach maturity in 3-5 years.
Seed Treatment: 5-6 weeks stratification enhances germination.
Commercially Avail: 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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Additional resources

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

Metadata

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

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