Habitat and Range
The genus Calochortus includes Globe Lillies, Star Tulips and Mariposa Lillies. Collectively, they range from Butte Co. southward, but most species occur from Eldorado Co. southward. Generally, they thrive at elevations between 3000 ft and 7000 ft, but they can exist at upwards of 11,000 ft. Most bloom May to July.
Physical Description
Calochortus is marked by its single, long and linear basal leaf and membranous bulb. There are few cauline leaves (on the stem) and they tend to be small. The inflorescence is generally an umbel with 2-many flowers. The petals are usually wedge-shaped and open (especially in Marisposa Lillies), whereas the Globe Lilly flower is nodding and closed. The petals of most species are slightly hairy and glandular on the inside and contain a colorful pattern at their base.
Food Uses
Natives valued this genus for its large bulbs that can be eaten raw or cooked. They gathered bulbs in large quantities for subsistence throughout the year. It is not recommended that you do the same. The Mariposa Lily bulb tastes somewhat like a walnut and is fairly easy to obtain. The Globe Lily is a sweet bulb and is also easy to obtain, although somewhat uncommon in most parts of the Sierra. The bulb can also be dried and ground in to flour. The seeds are edible but rather difficult to collect.
Medicinal Uses
None known at this time.
NOTE: Calochortus means "beautiful grass" in Greek.
Please refrain from excessively harvesting this plant. It is a choice wild edible, but it is also cherished by many people for its beauty.
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