Liliaceae / Calochortus spp. / Mariposa Lily

One of the Sierra Nevada’s most stunning genera of flowers, Calochortus spp. are a common sight throughout the entire mountain range (and beyond). They are a true North American classic, with their nearly 80 species having a broad range from central Canada in the north to the very southern tips of Mexico and then traveling east from California until it fizzles out around the Great Plains.

Their stems are generally erect and branched, with bulblets in the axils of the lower leaves. Their leaves are typically linear, the whole plant appearing quite delicate. Flowers are roughly bell-shaped with 6 flat-filamented stamens and anthers attached at the base. One style and 3 stigmas, their fruit is generally 3-angled/-winged with 3 chambers.

The bulbs are eaten raw or cooked after removing the outer husk. While they are excellent raw, the flavor is improved after roasting slow and low. While the flowers, seeds and leaves are also quite good, these are usually only harvested as an afterthought to the bulbs. They often also have bulblets alongside their bulbs which can be replanted to allow their range to spread.