Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Liliaceae

Genus:

Calochortus

Species:

Calochortus venustus

USDA Symbol:

CAVE3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Geophyte

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

white, yellow, red, purple, pink

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Bulbs survive fire and may show increased flowering following burns that remove competing vegetation and open canopy.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

well-drained, sandy or rocky soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to open slopes and meadows

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate in fall with cool temperatures and moisture. Plants require summer dormancy as bulbs after spring flowering and are adapted to Mediterranean climate.