Mariposa Lily
Calochortus aureusfam. Liliaceae
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Pl. 7220 — Calochortus aureus
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IOverview
Overview
Mariposa Lily (Calochortus aureus) is a light-loving forb or herb that thrives in the arid landscapes of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. Known for its ornamental value, this plant features distinctive white petals with golden yellow centers, making it a striking addition to any garden. It is also edible, with both flowers and roots being safe to consume. Preferring dry to moist conditions and light or medium soil types, Mariposa Lily can grow up to 0.3 meters tall in hardiness zones 3-7.
Quick answers
What is Mariposa Lily?
Mariposa Lily (Calochortus aureus) is a light-loving forb or herb that thrives in the arid landscapes of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. Known for its ornamental value, this plant features distinctive white petals with golden yellow centers, making it a striking addition to any garden.
What is Mariposa Lily used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Mariposa Lily
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Mariposa Lily has been traditionally used in Native American medicine to aid digestion. A tea made from the root may help soothe digestive discomfort.
The mechanism by which Calochortus supports digestion is not fully characterised but likely involves compounds that interact with gastrointestinal processes.
- Calochortus species, including Mariposa Lily, have been traditionally used in Native American medicine to support immune health. A decoction of the root may help bolster the body's natural defenses.
The mechanism by which Calochortus supports immunity is not fully characterised but likely involves a combination of bioactive compounds that interact with various immune pathways.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Mariposa Lily support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mariposa Lily thrives in full sun and prefers a light or medium soil type. It is adaptable to both dry and moist conditions but generally needs well-drained soil to prevent root rot. This plant grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7, making it suitable for temperate regions. Propagate via seed or division of the bulbs. Harvest edible parts, including flowers and roots, carefully to ensure the plant's health.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-7
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mariposa Lily for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Mariposa Lily in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Mariposa Lily bulbs, well-draining soil, mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in late fall or early spring when the soil is cool.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a mix of sand and loam for good drainage. Ensure containers have holes at the bottom.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Place bulbs 2-3 times their height deep, with the pointy end up. Space them about 10 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rotting the bulb. Keep soil slightly moist but not soggy.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and water only when the soil is dry. Fertilize lightly in spring if needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain plant health after flowering.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, using heavy mulch that retains moisture.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersRoot
Edible uses: The Mariposa Lily (Calochortus aureus) is edible and can be found in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. Its flowers and roots are both consumable. The flowers can be eaten raw or used to add a decorative touch to salads. Roots can be dug up and prepared by boiling before consumption.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 4 native
Broader regions
native:Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Liliaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Liliaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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