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Cox, Fran

Calochortus monophyllus

Calochortus monophyllus (Lindl.) Lem.

Yellow Star-tulip, Yellow-star Mariposa-lily, Yellow Pussy Ears, Yellow Star Tulip

Liliaceae (Lily Family)

Synonym(s): Cyclobothra monophylla

USDA Symbol: CAMO3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Only 3-8 in. high, the stems of this plant are zig-zagged and simple or branched. Leaves are mostly grass-like. Perky bright-yellow, starry flowers are held upright. Petals are densely bearded and clawed, with a red-brown spot on the claw.

From the Image Gallery

4 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 8 inches tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

USA: CA , OR
Native Distribution: CA Sierran foothills, Shasta to Tuolumne Cos.
Native Habitat: Wooded slopes from 1200-3600 ft.

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Description: Well-drained, clay loam.
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. Needs 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.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

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

Metadata

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

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