1. Catalina Mariposa Lily – Calochortus catalinae
(cal-oh-KORT-us cat-uh-LEEN-eye)
Family: Lilliaceae (Lily Family)
Native to: Central & Southern Coastal Ranges and Channel Islands; locally common in grasslands,
coastal Chaparral and open woodlands. In sunny openings, often on clay soils. Becoming rare in some
places due to loss of habitat.
Perennial from bulb
mature height: 10-25 in.
mature width: 10-12 in.
Basal, lineal leaves appear & grow in winter/spring. Plant is dormant in dry season (dies back).
Growth characteristics:
Blooms/fruits: Flowers are typical “Mariposa Lily” – white with purple spot at base of petals. Blooms
Feb-May. One to several blooms per plant. Very attractive, showy, unique.
Specimen plant (very lovely). At fronts of beds with other bulbs, annual
wildflowers and native grasses. Plant where you will enjoy the short-lived flowers - a real treat! Does
fine in pots. Bulbs, seeds and flowers are edible.
Uses in the garden:
Sensible substitute for: non-native Calochortus species
Attracts: a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun best
Any well-drained soil
Water sparingly (if needed) in spring; no water when dormant (summer)
None needed
Don’t transplant if possible; roots don’t like to be disturbed
Management: easy if watering is appropriate. Divide bulbs when dormant.
Propagation: From seed: plant in fall; best sown in place (including in large pots); By dividing bulbs:
plant in well-drained soil, 3-4 inches deep.
damaging roots.
Best to plant in place in garden or a deep pot to avoid
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 8, 13, 18
11/25/10
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