Calochortus macrocarpus explained

Calochortus macrocarpus, also known as sagebrush mariposa lily, is a North American species of bulbous perennials in the lily family.^{[1] [2]}

Distribution

The plant is native to the Northwestern United States (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and western Montana), northern California, northern Nevada, and a small area of southern British Columbia.^[3] Habitats include the Great Basin and Cascade Range.^[4]

Description

Calochortus macrocarpus leaves are blue-green and grass-like. The bulbs are tapering, like a carrot.^{[3] [5]}

The flowers are large, one- to three-petaled, and are pink to purple. The sepals are about 2 inches long, slightly longer than the green-striped petals.^[6] They typically bloom in June and July.^[5]

Uses

First peoples in southern British Columbia harvested the bulbs from April to June. They can be eaten raw or cooked.

External links

• Jepson Manual Treatment of Calochortus macrocarpus
• United States Department of AgriculturePlants Profile for Calochortus macrocarpus
• Calphotos Photos gallery, University of California: Calochortus macrocarpus

Notes and References

1. Douglas, David 1828. Transactions of the Horticultural Society of London 7(2): 276–277, plate 8
2. Gerritsen, M.E. & Parsons, R. (2007). Calochortus: Mariposa lilies & their relatives: 1-232. Timber press, Inc. Portland, U.S.A.
3. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101479 Calochortus macrocarpus in Flora of North America @ efloras.org
4. http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?8349,8461,8488 Jepson Manual
5. Turner, Nancy J. Food Plants of Interior First Peoples (Victoria: University of British Columbia Press, 1997)
6. Book: Taylor, Ronald J.. Sagebrush Country: A Wildflower Sanctuary. Mountain Press Pub. Co. 1994. 0-87842-280-3. rev.. Missoula, MT. 74. en. 25708726. 1992.