Calochortus luteus


Calochortus luteus, the yellow mariposa lily, is a mariposa lily endemic to California.

Description

The primarily bright deep yellow flower is 3–5 cm across and perianth bulb-shaped, lined red-brown inside, often also with central red-brown blotch and sparse hair inside.

Distribution

This species is found on coastal prairie, grasslands and some open forest floors. Its range is along the coastal ranges from region to the northern Santa Barbara County Channel Islands and mainland, Northwestern California, the Sacramento Valley, and the Sierra Nevada foothills from there to the Tehachapi Mountains.

Cultivation

Calochortus luteus is used in landscape design, with "non-habitat sourced" bulbs available from native plant nurseries and societies, to grow as an ornamental plant in gardens and for restoration projects.