Butterfly Mariposa Lily
Calochortus venustus
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Pl. 3706 — Calochortus venustus
Calochortus venustusCalochortus venustusCalochortus venustusCalochortus venustusCalochortus venustusCalochortus venustusCalochortus venustusCalochortus venustusCalochortus venustusCalochortus venustusCalochortus venustusCalochortus venustusCalochortus venustusCalochortus venustus
IOverview
Overview
Butterfly Mariposa Lily (Calochortus venustus) is a native of California, where it thrives in full sun and well-draining soils ranging from light to medium sandiness. Known for its ornamental value, this plant also offers edible benefits, with its roots being the part used. Found across hardiness zones 3-7, it can grow up to 0.6 meters tall. Its distinctive feature lies in its elegant white petals and maroon spots, resembling a delicate butterfly, hence its common name. This lily is adapted to both dry and moist conditions, making it versatile for gardeners in various California climates.
Quick answers
What is Butterfly Mariposa Lily?
Butterfly Mariposa Lily (Calochortus venustus) is a native of California, where it thrives in full sun and well-draining soils ranging from light to medium sandiness. Known for its ornamental value, this plant also offers edible benefits, with its roots being the part used.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Butterfly Mariposa Lily thrives in full sun and prefers light to medium soil that is sandy or well-draining. It can handle both dry and moist conditions but generally requires less water once established. Hardy from zones 3-7, this plant grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is native to California. For propagation, gardeners can divide the bulbs in early spring or use seed sowing. The edible parts include the root, which can be harvested carefully without harming the plant.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-7
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Butterfly Mariposa Lily for the first time
8steps
Start with Butterfly Mariposa Lily to gain experience in growing bulbs, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Butterfly Mariposa Lily bulbs or seeds.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant bulbs in fall, around September to November.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light sand and organic matter. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Bulbs should be planted 3-4 times their depth, about 5 cm deep in the ground.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rot. Keep soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and keep soil moderately dry during summer dormancy, watering only if the soil feels very dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
After flowering, allow leaves to yellow naturally before removing them. Do not harvest roots.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting summer dormancy needs, and using heavy fertilizers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Butterfly Mariposa Lily's root is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is commonly dug up and either boiled or roasted before consumption. Skip the raw form as it may not be palatable.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 1 native
Broader regions
native:California
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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