XLyall's Mariposa Lily (Calochortus lyallii)X
Click/Tap a thumbnail image to see its larger image with informational details.
-
Lyall's Mariposa Lily -or- Lyall's Star Tulip (Calochortus lyallii), family Liliaceae (Lily)
This lovely flower is found only in the state of Washington, and in Canada. The foliage was overlooked for photography. Often as the plant ages for the season the slender grass-like foliage withers away and there is none left but the stunning blooms. Enjoy the views of the plant and flowers. Lilies are mostly perennial herbs from rhizomes, bulbs, or corms, some rather woody and treelike, and often showy flowers in racemes or branched racemes. There are about 70 species in this genus. Many plants in the genus were used by Native Americans for food. It is unclear if this species was one of those. Other members of the genus include uses as starvation food by Utah Mormon's; per WIKIPEDIA 'They were also eaten by the Mormon settlers in Utah during the first winter or two because of crop failures during the first few years of settlement in the Great Salt Lake Valley.' The flowers from the genus Calochortus are among the most loved of wildflowers. Their exotic markings and colors are wonderful to look upon.
Flower -
Plant location: Sighted in Twisp Washington on July 27, 2007 when Mark was dual-sport motorcycle riding.Plant -
Bloom season: June and July.Foliage -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-