About Calochortus uniflorus Hook. & Arn.
Calochortus uniflorus is a species of flowering plant in the lily family, with common names Monterey mariposa lily and large-flowered star-tulip. It is native to western Oregon, and California as far south as San Luis Obispo County. It grows in moist habitats including meadows, located in coastal hills and lower-elevation mountains. Most of its populations are found in the Coast Ranges, while smaller populations occur in the Cascades and in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. This plant is a perennial herb that grows a short, unbranching stem, typically less than 5 centimeters tall. It has a single basal leaf that can grow up to 40 centimeters long, which does not wither when the plant flowers. One or more shorter leaves may also grow higher up the stem. The inflorescence is a loose cluster holding 1 to 5 upright, bell-shaped flowers. Each flower has three petals up to around 3 centimeters long, and three shorter sepals located beneath the petals. The petals range in color from white to pink, and often have purple spotting near their bases. The fruit produced by the plant is a capsule up to 2.5 centimeters long.
