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Clubhair mariposa lily

Calochortus clavatusfam. Liliaceae
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Calochortus clavatus (Clubhair mariposa lily) — botanical photograph
Pl. 10D0 — Calochortus clavatus
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I

Overview

Clubhair mariposa lily (Calochortus clavatus) is a striking wildflower native to California, known for its light and airy form that thrives in full sun. This plant grows up to 1 meter tall and is often found in dry to moist conditions with well-draining soil, ranging from sandy to medium textures. It is hardy in zones 8-10 and is valued not only for its ornamental appeal but also for its edible root, which can be enjoyed when properly prepared. The root is typically dug up and eaten raw or cooked, and can also be dried for later use. Its distinctive feature includes the club-shaped hairs on the flower's stamens, giving it a unique appearance among other mariposa lilies. Traditionally, the clubhair mariposa lily has been used in Native American medicine to aid digestion. The root is often prepared as a decoction and consumed after meals. Additionally, this plant has been traditionally used to support immune health, with the root prepared as a decoction and consumed regularly during cold seasons. While the plant is edible and has medicinal uses, it is important to note that these uses should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner.

Quick answers

What is Clubhair mariposa lily?

Clubhair mariposa lily (Calochortus clavatus) is a striking wildflower native to California, known for its light and airy form that thrives in full sun. This plant grows up to 1 meter tall and is often found in dry to moist conditions with well-draining soil, ranging from sandy to medium textures.

What is Clubhair mariposa lily used for?

Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Compare with:Allium unifolium→Grassnut→Mariposa Lily→all comparisons →
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Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Clubhair mariposa lily
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Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

2 claims · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Clubhair mariposa lily has been traditionally used in Native American medicine to aid digestion. The root is often prepared as a decoction and consumed after meals.

    The mechanism by which Calochortus aids digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that help regulate digestive processes or alleviate discomfort.

    ▲ ModerateDigestion →
  • Calochortus species, including Clubhair mariposa lily, have been traditionally used in Native American medicine to support immune health. The root is often prepared as a decoction and consumed regularly during cold seasons.

    The mechanism by which Calochortus supports the immune system is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that modulate inflammatory responses or enhance immune cell activity.

    ▲ ModerateImmune support →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Clubhair mariposa lily support blend
general
tea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Clubhair mariposa lily thrives in full sun and prefers a light to medium soil type, making it well-suited for sandy or loamy conditions. It is drought-tolerant but benefits from moist soil during the growing season. Hardy in temperate regions, this plant grows best in zones 8-10. To propagate, divide the bulbs in early spring or fall. The edible root can be harvested carefully to enjoy its flavors.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
8-10
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Clubhair mariposa lily for the first time

8steps

Start with planting Clubhair mariposa lily in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Clubhair mariposa lily bulbs, well-draining soil, mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant bulbs in fall, around September or October.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure the soil is light (sandy) to medium with good drainage. Amend if necessary.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Bury bulbs 2-3 times their depth, spacing them about 15 cm apart.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during this period. Avoid overwatering.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water sparingly in dry periods and mulch to retain moisture. Fertilize lightly if needed.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally before removing it.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The clubhair mariposa lily's root is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is typically dug up and eaten raw or cooked. The roots can also be dried for later use. Skip the specific preparation methods to maintain a simple note.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

1 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across0 continents· 1 native
Broader regions
native:California
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Calochortus clavatus (Clubhair mariposa lily) — botanical photograph
Clubhair mariposa lily (Calochortus clavatus)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

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