Greene's mariposa lily
Calochortus greenei S.Watson
Calochortus greenei is a species in the Liliaceae family, known as Greene's mariposa lily. It is native to northern California and southern Oregon, where it grows in forested and woodland mountain habitats. This perennial herb reaches up to 30 cm in height, with a single basal leaf that persists during flowering. The plant produces 1 to 5 upright, bell-shaped flowers, each with three light purple petals (3–4 cm long) and three sepals. The petals have dark bases and are hairy on the inner surface. The fruit is a winged capsule measuring about 2 cm in length.
Description
Calochortus greenei, described by S. Watson in 1879, is a member of the Liliaceae family. It is found in the mountainous regions of northern California and southern Oregon. The plant features a branching stem and a basal leaf approximately 20 cm long. Its inflorescence bears 1 to 5 erect, bell-shaped flowers, each with three sepals and three light purple petals. The petals are 3 to 4 cm long, have darker bases, and are covered in long hairs on the inner surface. The fruit is a winged capsule measuring about 2 cm in length. This species is adapted to forest and woodland environments.
Other common names
Greene's mariposa lily
Distribution
California · Oregon
Synonyms
Calochortus greenei var. calvus
