Calochortus venustus
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Butterfly Mariposa
A California endemic species, and can be found in the sandy soils in the mountains and foothills in the central part of the state. The showy spring flowers are highly variable in size, color, and pattern, though white is the most common color. Blooms reach up to two feet tall, and basal leaves 0.5 feet wide. Miwok and Tubatulabal tribes roast and eat the bulbs.
For visual impact in the garden, plant several together, and protect them from gophers! They do well with other bulbs–alliums, other calochortus, and brodiaea. Blooms will attract numerous insects. This plant needs summer dormancy, so do not water once it is established.
Lifeform:
Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Other: Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies
| Ecological Value | Likely host plant to Orange Tortrix moth, numerous insects attracted to the flowers. |
|---|---|
| Historical Uses | Miwok and Tubatulabal tribes roast and eat the bulbs. |
| Distribution | Sandy, granite rich soils in grassy places in the hills of the Coast Ranges and Sierra foothills. California endemic species. |
| Elevation | 3" – 9077" |
| Habitat | Grassland, woodland |
| Communities | Foothill Woodland, Valley Grassland, Yellow Pine Forest |