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Calochortus uniflorus
Calochortus uniflorus Hook. & Arn.
Monterey Mariposa Lily, Monterey Mariposa-lily, Meadow Star Tulip
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: CAUN
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
A small, dainty plant, the flowering stem barely reaching above the surface of the ground. Leaves are grass-like, and the upright flowers are of a shallow bowl shape. Petals are lilac, often with a purple spot at the base. Seed pods are broad and pendant.
As one of the dwarf Calochortus meadow species, Monterey Mariposa Lily is more amenable to cultivation than other species of the genus. It needs protection from gophers and moles.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 8 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: PurpleBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: CA , ORNative Distribution: Coast Ranges from Monterey to Mendacino Cos.; s.w. OR
Native Habitat: Temporarily wet prairie and meadows below 500 ft.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Description: Temporarily wet, but well-drained, alkaline soils.
Conditions Comments: Needs protection from gophers and moles. As one of the dwarf Calochortus meadow species, meadow star tulip is more amenable to cultivation than other species of the genus.
Propagation
Description: Sow fresh seed in fall in a mix of leaf mold, loam and sand. Seed pans should be plunged in the cold frame, covered to keep out excessive moisture, and left to the end of the second year. Young bulbs can then be planted outdoors.Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACW | FACW |
Bibliography
Bibref 1218 - Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources (2006) Anderson, M. KatSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Calochortus uniflorus in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Calochortus uniflorus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Calochortus uniflorus
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-01-31Research By: TWC Staff