Calochortus gunnisonii Mariposa lily (Calochortaceae)

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Calochortus gunnisonii
Mariposa lily
(1 Page of 5)

The Calochortus gunnisonii plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - Rocky Mountains. It is a member of the Calochortaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Mariposa lily.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Calochortus gunnisonii
Common Name:  Mariposa lily
Family:  Calochortaceae
Author:  S.Wats.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.3   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Grassy hillsides and open coniferous woods[60]. Found in a variety of habitats from moist meadows and open woods to sandy and rocky hillsides and dry gulches between 1,200 and 3,300 metres[214].

Edible Uses: Bulb - raw or cooked[46, 105, 161]. One report says that the raw bulb tastes like a raw new potato[183]. It has a crisp nut-like texture and a pleasant flavour when cooked[85, 183]. The bulb can be dried and ground into a powder for making a sweet porridge, mush etc[85, 183, 257]. Leaves - cooked. It is hard to obtain a sufficient quantity[85] and use of the leaves will weaken the bulbs. Seed - ground into a powder[85, 183]. Flower buds - raw. Added to salads[85, 183].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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