Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Calochortus macrocarpus, also known as sagebrush mariposa lily, occurs in northwestern United States and a small part of southern British Columbia. The leaves are blue-green and grass-like. The flowers are large, bloom in June, are three-petaled, and are pink and purple. The bulbs are tapering, like a carrot. First peoples in southern British Columbia harvested the bulbs from April to June. They can be eaten raw or cooked.

Plant type

Perennial herb, Geophyte

Size

11 - 22 in Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Moderate

Calscape icon
Color

Purple, Pink

Flowering season

Summer

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water

Low, Very Low

Soil description

Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.

Site type

Volcanic soil

Plant communities

Northern Juniper Woodland, Sagebrush Scrub, Yellow Pine Forest