Common Name: Mariposa Lily

General Information

Calochortus gunnisonii is a herbaceous perennial plant producing a cluster of grass-like basal leaves 18 - 35cm long from an underground bulb. A flowering stem 24 - 55cm long is produced as the leaves wither[].
The plant was a traditional food of the native N. Americans and often eaten in quantity. It is grown as an ornamental, valued for its attractive flowers.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

South-western N. America - Montana to South Dakota, south to Arizona and New Mexico

Habitat

Grassy hillsides and open coniferous woods[]. Found in a variety of habitats from moist meadows and open woods to sandy and rocky hillsides and dry gulches; at elevations from 1,200 - 3,300 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Calochortus gunnisonii is native to semi-arid climates in western N. America, growing in freely draining soils. Whilst being very cold hardy, it can be a rather difficult plant to cultivate in moister temperate climates, being very intolerant of wetness especially when dormant.
Requires a deep very well-drained fertile sandy soil in a sunny position and must be kept dry from mid summer to late autumn[, , ]. In moist climates it is usually easier to grow this species in a bulb frame, though it is worth trying outdoors at the base of a south-facing wall, especially with shrubs that like these conditions[].
Bulbs can be lifted as soon as the foliage dies down in the summer and stored overwinter in a cool dry place, replanting in the spring[]. The bulbs must be replanted immediately according to another report[].
Bulbs frequently divide after flowering, the bulblets taking 2 years to reach flowering size[].
This species is closely related to Calohortus ambiguus[].
When grown in cultivation, hand pollination is usually necessary if seed is required[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[, , ]. One report says that the raw bulb tastes like a raw new potato[]. It has a crisp nut-like texture and a pleasant flavour when cooked[, ]. The bulb can be dried and ground into a powder for making a sweet porridge, mush etc[, , ].

Leaves - cooked. It is hard to obtain a sufficient quantity[] and use of the leaves will weaken the bulbs.

Seed - ground into a powder[, ].

Flower buds - raw. Added to salads[, ].

Medicinal

An infusion of the plant has been taken internally to treat rheumatic swellings and to ease the delivery of the placenta[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow as soon as ripe or early spring in a cold frame in a very sharply draining medium. Stratification may be helpful. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 6 months at 15°c[]. Leave the seedlings undisturbed for their first two years growth[], but give them an occasional liquid feed to ensure they do not become nutrient deficient. It is quite difficult to get the seedlings through their first period of dormancy since it is all too easy either to dry them out completely or keep them too moist when they will rot[]. After their second year of growth, pot up the dormant bulbs in late summer and grow them on for at least another 2 years in the greenhouse before trying them outside. Seedlings take about 5 - 7 years to come into flower[].
Division of the bulbs as soon as the foliage dies down. The bulbs can be planted straight out into their permanent positions but in areas with wet winters it might be best to store them overwinter and replant them in the spring.
Stem bulbils, harvested from the stems after flowering. They can be stored cool and dry then planted in pots in the cold frame in the spring.