Calochortus uniflorus is a species of flowering plant in the lily family known by the common names Monterey mariposa lily and large-flowered star-tulip.Hooker, William Jackson & Arnott, George Arnott Walker 1840. Botany of Captain Beechey's Voyage 398 description in Latin, commentary in EnglishHooker, William Jackson & Arnott, George Arnott Walker 1840. Botany of Captain Beechey's Voyage 398 line drawing of Calochortus uniflorusJepson Manual Treatment of Calochortus uniflorus It is native to western Oregon and to California as far south as San Luis Obispo County. It grows in moist areas, such as meadows, in coastal hills and lower-elevation mountains. Most of the populations are found in the Coast Ranges, but some occur in the Cascades and in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.Calflora taxon report, Calochortus uniflorus Hook. & Arn. large flowered star tulip Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
Calochortus uniflorus is a perennial herb producing a short, unbranching stem typically less than 5 centimeters tall. The basal leaf is up to 40 centimeters long and does not wither by flowering; there may be one or more shorter leaves higher up the stem. The inflorescence is a loose cluster of 1 to 5 upright, bell-shaped flowers. Each flower has three petals up to about 3 centimeters long and three shorter sepals beneath. The petals are white to pink and may have purple spotting near the bases. The fruit is a capsule up to 2.5 centimeters long.Flora of North America, Calochortus uniflorus
References
External links United States Department of Agriculture Plants Profile for Calochortus uniflorus Calphotos Photos gallery, University of California: Calochortus uniflorus