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Calochortus elegans - Pursh.

Common Name Star Tulip, Elegant mariposa lily
Family Calochortaceae
USDA hardiness 3-7
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Grassy hillsides and open coniferous woods at elevations of 1500 - 2500 metres[60, 270].
Range South-western N. America - Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Washington.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Calochortus elegans Star Tulip, Elegant mariposa lily


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wsiegmund
Calochortus elegans Star Tulip, Elegant mariposa lily
http://flickr.com/photos/68921339@N00

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of bulb
Calochortus elegans is a BULB growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 East Wall. By. South Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Bulb - raw or cooked[2, 46, 61, 105, 161].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a deep very well-drained fertile sandy soil in a warm sunny position and must be kept dry from mid summer to late autumn[1, 42, 200]. This is a rather difficult plant to cultivate in Britain, it is very cold hardy but is intolerant of wetness especially in the winter[1, 42]. It is easiest to grow in a bulb frame but is worth trying outdoors at the base of a south-facing wall, especially with shrubs that like these conditions[120]. Bulbs can be lifted as soon as the foliage dies down in the summer and stored overwinter in a cool dry place, replanting in spring[138]. The bulbs must be replanted immediately according to another report[1]. Bulbs frequently divide after flowering, the bulblets taking 2 years to reach flowering size[200]. This species is closely related to C. tolmiei[200]. Hand pollination is necessary if seed is required[1].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow as soon as ripe or early spring in a cold frame in a very sharply draining medium. Stratification may be helpful. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 6 months at 15°c[138]. Leave the seedlings undisturbed for their first two years growth[138], but give them an occasional liquid feed to ensure they do not become nutrient deficient. It is quite difficult to get the seedlings through their first period of dormancy since it is all too easy either to dry them out completely or keep them too moist when they will rot[214]. After their second year of growth, pot up the dormant bulbs in late summer and grow them on for at least another 2 years in the greenhouse before trying them outside. Seedlings take about 5 - 7 years to come into flower[214]. Division of the bulbs as soon as the foliage dies down. The bulbs can be planted straight out into their permanent positions but in areas with wet winters it might be best to store them overwinter and replant them in the spring. Stem bulbils, harvested from the stems after flowering. They can be stored cool and dry then planted in pots in the cold frame in the spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Calochortus aureusMariposa Lily, Golden mariposa lilyBulb0.3 3-7  LMNDM20 
Calochortus barbatus Bulb0.6 3-7  LMNDM10 
Calochortus clavatusClubhair mariposa lily, Arroyo de la Cruz mariposa lilyBulb1.0 8-10 MLMNDM10 
Calochortus gunnisoniiMariposa Lily, Gunnison's mariposa lilyBulb0.3 3-7  LMNDM21 
Calochortus luteusYellow Mariposa, Yellow mariposa lilyBulb0.3 3-7  LMNDM20 
Calochortus macrocarpusSagebrush Mariposa Lily, Nez Perce mariposa lilyBulb0.5 3-7  LMNDM21 
Calochortus nuttalliiSego LilyBulb0.2 3-7  LMNDM20 
Calochortus pulchellusMount Diablo Globelily, Mt. diablo fairy-lanternBulb0.3 3-7  LMSNDM20 
Calochortus tolmieiTolmie StartulipBulb0.3 3-7  LMSNDM20 
Calochortus uniflorusLarge-Flowered Star Tulip, Monterey mariposa lilyBulb0.3 3-7  LMNDM10 
Calochortus venustusButterfly Mariposa LilyBulb0.6 3-7  LMNDM20 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Botanical References

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Subject : Calochortus elegans  
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