Calochortus catalinae * Catalina Mariposa Lily

Calochortus catalinae is the most widespread of the Mariposa Lilies in our nearby Coast Range wildlands. In May when the white flowers of the Catalina Mariposa Lilies start to open I find a special joy. The intricacy of the pattern in the bloom draws my interrest almost as well as it does for the insects. There are almost always a slew of interesting beetles and bees negotiating their way about the hairy nectaries. Calochortus catalinae grows in moderately heavy soils in grassland and open woodlands. This California native can be found in the southern coastal ranges and the channel islands below the elevation of 2,000 ft. On the mainland the Catalina Mariposa Lily's range is threatened by development they grow best where it is cheap and easy to plant houses. Plant Calochortus catalinae where the garden will be dry for the Summer as the bulbs rot easily otherwise.

More Bulbs for a California Garden

Calochortus catalinae, Catalina Mariposa Lily — Flower shot of **Calochortus catalinae** the Catalina Mariposa Lily. High resolution photos are part of our garden image collection.