Plummer's Mariposa Lily
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Plummer's Mariposa Lily
Calochortus plummerae
Plummer's Mariposa Lily is a beautiful flower with bright yellow petals that look like little cups. It blooms in the spring and can be found in special places where it gets plenty of sunshine.
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The Plummer's Mariposa Lily has vibrant cup-shaped flowers, often orange, yellow, or reddish-orange. Its three petals are uniquely marked with a band of purplish-red and often covered in delicate hairs, making it visually distinct from other wildflowers.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderLilialesFamilyLiliaceaeGenusCalochortus
Category
PlantsRarity
Rare
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Each petal often has a distinct, hairy yellow patch, guiding thirsty bees inside!
It was named after Sara Plummer Lemmon, a pioneering American botanist!
Its name 'Mariposa' means butterfly in Spanish, because its petals are so colorful!
Native Americans historically ate its bulbs, which taste a bit like potatoes!
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Survivor
Plummer's Mariposa Lily can thrive in dry, rocky hillsides because it stores water and nutrients in its underground bulb.
Ability
Pollinator Beacon
Plummer's Mariposa Lily has hairy, colorful markings on its petals that act like landing strips to guide insects to its nectar.
Ability
Fire Resilience
Plummer's Mariposa Lily's deep bulbs can often survive wildfires, allowing it to re-sprout after the flames pass.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 20-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 3-5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
visits flowers for nectar
pollinates
Yellow-faced bumblebee
Bombus vosnesenskii
collects pollen and nectar
eaten by
Botta's Pocket Gopher
Thomomys bottae
eats its underground bulbs
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not pick flowers; they are best enjoyed in nature!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Plummer's Mariposa Lily?
20-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Plummer's Mariposa Lily?
3-5 cm
When does Plummer's Mariposa Lily bloom?
Late spring to early summer
Is Plummer's Mariposa Lily edible?
Yes
Is Plummer's Mariposa Lily toxic?
None
What is Plummer's Mariposa Lily's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Plummer's Mariposa Lily pollinated?
Insect
Where is Plummer's Mariposa Lily usually found?
Mountain regions
Snap Map
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