Calochortus elegans is a species of flowering plant in the lily family known by the common name elegant Mariposa lily, cat's ear, elegant cat's ears or star tulip. It is native to the western United States from northern California to Montana.It is a perennial herb producing a slender, generally unbranched stem up to 15 centimeters in height. The basal leaf is 10 to 20 centimeters long and does not wither at flowering. The inflorescence bears 1 to 7 erect bell-shaped flowers. Each flower has three sepals and three petals with very hairy inner surfaces and edges. Each petal is greenish white in color with a purple crescent above a hairless patch at the base. The fruit is a winged capsule about 2 centimeters long.The bulb is a choice wild root vegetable when eaten cooked, and can be eaten raw to avoid starvation. VarietiesCalochortus elegans var. amoenus (Greene) auct. Calochortus elegans var. amoenus hort. Calochortus elegans var. elegans Pursh - Idaho, Oregon, Washington Calochortus elegans var. lobbii Baker Calochortus elegans var. major Hook. Calochortus elegans var. minor Hook. Calochortus elegans var. nanus Alph.Wood - Oregon, northern California Calochortus elegans var. oreophilus Ownbey Calochortus elegans var. selwayensis (H.St.John) Ownbey - Idaho, Montana Calochortus elegans var. subclavatus Baker
Elegant mariposa lily has strong disease resistance and is generally not prone to illness. It can, however, be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment. These infections are typically mild. For care, this plant needs medium maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to preserve a neat appearance and healthy growth. Fertilization can also help encourage flowering. The elegant mariposa lily is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand much experience in plant care. It may need more attention when cultivated indoors.
How to keep Calochortus Elegans.
Light
The elegant mariposa lily is native to habitats like forest understories and rocky areas, where it grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, illustrating its adaptable, hardy nature.
Water
The elegant mariposa lily is native to arid regions and is highly drought-tolerant. It thrives with minimal moisture, with weekly watering meeting its moderate hydration needs. When grown indoors, it prefers well-draining soil to prevent root rot, mimicking its natural dry conditions.
Temperature
The Elegant mariposa lily can adjust to a wide range of temperatures, but its range may still be restricted by particular combinations of moisture and heat. It grows best in warm summer conditions with sufficient rainfall or watering. Long stretches of cloudy, rainy weather or extended high temperatures can increase the chance of the Elegant mariposa lily dying. In winter, adequate protection from cold can boost the plant's survival rate.
Fertilizer
For Elegant mariposa lily, the best time to fertilize is in early spring while the flowers are forming. Using the proper fertilizer promotes stronger blooms and helps the Elegant mariposa lily produce beautiful flowers. Fertilizing in early spring guarantees good flowering throughout the season and provides energy for dormant growth phases.
Pruning
To encourage healthy growth of the elegant mariposa lily, prune it from early to late spring by removing spent blooms and dead foliage. Make light, selective cuts to maintain the plant's shape, ensuring they are clean and precise to prevent disease. Be sure to sterilize your pruning tools, as this practice improves airflow and light penetration, promoting the plant's overall health.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Calochortus
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-9
- Mature Height
- 8 cm to 15 cm
- Mature Spread
- 15 cm to 25 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- White, Lavender
- Flower Size
- 3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
Other names.
