Calochortus excavatus is a species of flowering plant in the lily family known by the common name Inyo County star-tulip.[1]
The flowering plant is endemic to eastern California, where it is known from several reduced and threatened populations in Mono and Inyo Counties.[2] It occupies grassy habitats in alkaline Shadscale scrub plant communities, alongside Atriplex and other playa halophyte flora, primarily in Owens Valley.[1]
The species is listed as endangered, threatened by the loss of local groundwater.[3]
Calochortus excavatus is a perennial bulb, growing a slender unbranched stem to about 30cm (10inches) in maximum height.
The inflorescence bears 1 to 6 erect bell-shaped flowers in a close cluster. Each flower has three sepals which lack spotting, and three white petals. The petals may have green striping on their outer surfaces and generally have a red-purple blotch at the base. The anthers are reddish to purple.[4] [5]
