Alkali Mariposa Lily
(Calochortus striatus )
Liliaceae

Photo Copyright 2002 Gary A. Monroe Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Description: Perennial herb with stems 3/8 - 2 inches (1-5cm) long. Leaves are basal, 4-8 inches (1-2dm) long, and 1/4 - 5/16 inches (6-8mm) wide. Inflorescence is umbel-like, with 1-5 bell-shaped flowers. Sepals are spear-shaped, 3/8 - 3/4 inches (1-2cm) long. Petals are reversed spear-shaped or wedge-shaped, white to lavender color, purple-veined, irregularly toothed above, and 3/4 - 1 1/8 inches (2-3cm) long. The petals have densely hairy, oblong nectar structures. The fruit is a capsule, 1 1/2 - 2 inches (4-5cm) long, linear, and angled. The seed is yellowish.

Distribution:

Habitat: Alkaline meadows, moist creosote-bush scrub, Mojave desert. Elevation 224 - 5104 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms April - June.

Similar Plants:

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B