General: Alkali Mariposa Lily (Calochortus striatus) is a perennial forb with grass-like leaves that grows from an underground bulb. Leaves to about 8 inches, narrow. Flowers grow atop stems that appear in the spring and early summer. Flowers bell-shaped, white to lavender, with purple veins.
Alkali Mariposa Lily can be found in alkali marshes and other damp places in the Upper Sonoran (Mojave Desert Scrub) life zone.
Family: Lily (Liliaceae).
Other Names:
Plant Form: Leaves and flower stems grow from an underground bulb.
Height: To about 18 inches.
Stems: Short, mostly underground from bulb.
Leaves: Leaves basal, linear.
Flowers: Blooms spring to early summer. Inflorescence umbel-like with 1-5 flowers per stem. Flower bell-shaped, white to light purple with purple veins.
Seeds: Seed are produced in elongate seedpods (about 2-inches long).
Habitat: Alkaline meadows in the Mojave Desert.
Elevation: To about 5,000 feet.
Distribution: California deserts and southern Nevada (Clark and Nye counties only)
Comments:
All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
; Last updated 240614