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Calochortus kennedyi (Desert mariposa lily)
Flaigg, Norman G.

Calochortus kennedyi Porter

Desert mariposa lily, Desert mariposa, Red mariposa-lily, Flame mariposa

Liliaceae (Lily Family)

USDA Symbol: CAKE

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The flowering stems of this bulbous perennial are up to 8 in. long and sometimes twisted. Leaves are waxy and grass-like. During years when temperature and rainfall is right, silky, deep-orange to yellow-orange, three-petaled flowers appear. In an umbel-like cluster on top of short stems bloom 1-6 handsome bell-shaped, vermilion, orange, or yellow flowers. Each flower has a large, dark spot at the base.

One of the most brilliant of the mariposa lilies. In California, vermilion flowers are most frequent; orange flowers are more common eastward. The yellow phase is found throughout the range, especially at higher elevations.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Orange
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , NV , UT
Native Distribution: AZ, NV, Kane Co., UT, s. CA & adjacent Mex.
Native Habitat: Open or brushy flats; rocky slopes; deserts; 2000-4500 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, heavy or rocky, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: All Calochortus spp. are extremely difficult in cultivation. Flowering bulbs must be raised from seed for any success and bulbs must be kept completely dry from mid-summer to late fall. Bulbs will need protection from gophers and moles.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Desert landscape
Use Food: Bulb consumed by indigenous peoples.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Plant seed in late autumn in pots, flats or outdoor seed beds. Corms reach maturity in 3-5 years.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: No treatment.
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA

Bibliography

Bibref 355 - Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest (1991) Miller, G. O.
Bibref 1218 - Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources (2006) Anderson, M. Kat
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

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Additional resources

USDA: Find Calochortus kennedyi in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Calochortus kennedyi in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Calochortus kennedyi

Metadata

Record Modified: 2008-10-20
Research By: TWC Staff

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