Yellow Mariposa Lily
Calochortus luteus
- Native to:
- United States
Eric in SF





Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Liliaceae
- Genus:
- Calochortus
- Species:
- Calochortus luteus
- USDA Symbol:
- CALU9
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to open grasslands and hillsides
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 2-3 months; sow in fall or stratify artificially.
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: Seeds are collected from whole fruits immediately prior to or after ripening. If capsules have not opened, they may need to be mechanically split. Large numbers of dry fruits may be shattered rapidly by very brief blending. After blending, seeds may be cleaned by sifting and/or blowing off chaff.
Source: npn.rngr.net