Large-Flowered Star Tulip
Calochortus uniflorusfam. Liliaceae
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Pl. 0BB6 — Calochortus uniflorus
Calochortus uniflorusCalochortus uniflorusCalochortus uniflorusCalochortus uniflorusCalochortus uniflorusCalochortus uniflorusCalochortus uniflorusCalochortus uniflorusCalochortus uniflorusCalochortus uniflorusCalochortus uniflorusCalochortus uniflorusCalochortus uniflorusCalochortus uniflorus
IOverview
Overview
The Large-Flowered Star Tulip (Calochortus uniflorus) is a striking member of the Lily family native to California and Oregon. Known for its ornamental value, this plant features distinctive white petals with purple or pink markings that resemble stars, hence its common name. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy) and medium textures. The plant is hardy in zones 3-7 and reaches a height of about 0.3 meters. Interestingly, the root of this species is edible, adding culinary value to its ornamental beauty.
Quick answers
What is Large-Flowered Star Tulip?
The Large-Flowered Star Tulip (Calochortus uniflorus) is a striking member of the Lily family native to California and Oregon. Known for its ornamental value, this plant features distinctive white petals with purple or pink markings that resemble stars, hence its common name.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Large-Flowered Star Tulip thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It is hardy in temperate regions with zones 3-7, making it suitable for gardens in California and Oregon. Water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. The roots are edible, so gardeners can harvest them carefully without harming the plant.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-7
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Large-Flowered Star Tulip for the first time
8steps
Start with Large-Flowered Star Tulips to gain experience in growing bulbs.
- 1
What you'll need
Large-Flowered Star Tulip bulbs, a small trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the bulbs in fall, around September or October.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining spot with light soil. Amend the soil with sand if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Bury the bulbs about 3 times their height deep, spacing them 10-15 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to settle the soil. Avoid overwatering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Keep the area dry during summer dormancy. Water lightly in spring if needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
No need for harvesting; simply allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, and neglecting summer dormancy are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Large-Flowered Star Tulip's root is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, the roots are dug up and prepared by boiling before consumption. Skip the detailed recipe; focus on these simple preparation methods.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 2 native
Broader regions
native:California, Oregon
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
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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