Calochortus leichtlinii
Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily
Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges, western US
Overview
Calochortus leichtlinii is a bulb-forming perennial reaching 6-20 inches (15-50 cm) tall, growing from a deep-seated egg-shaped bulb. A single narrow basal leaf 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long withers by flowering time. The slender stem bears one to several upward-facing, cup-shaped flowers 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across, each with three broad white to pale lavender petals tinged with smoky blue. A dark reddish to purple-black blotch marks the base of each petal above a fringed yellow gland. Flowering occurs from June to August after snowmelt, varying with elevation. The flowers give way to erect three-angled capsules holding flat tan seeds. The species grows in open conifer forest, granitic flats, and gravelly slopes at 4,000-11,000 feet (1,200-3,400 m). It needs a dry summer dormancy and is intolerant of root disturbance, making it slow to establish in cultivation. Bulbs are sensitive to summer irrigation and rot in moist soil after the foliage dies.
Native Range
Calochortus leichtlinii is native to the mountains of the western United States, in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges of California, Nevada, and Oregon. It grows in open coniferous forest, granitic sand flats, and dry montane slopes at middle to high elevations.Suggested Uses
Used in rock gardens, alpine troughs, and native plant collections with a dry summer cycle, spaced 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart. Suited to gravelly beds where summer irrigation can be withheld. The flowers draw native bees in montane and water-wise gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'8"
Width/Spread3" - 6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Cup-shaped flowers open from June to August, timed to snowmelt and warming soils. Each flower lasts several days, and a plant blooms over two to three weeks. Native bees and beetles visit for pollen.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pale lavender with dark blotchFoliage Description
Green, withering by bloomGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Calochortus leichtlinii in full sun to light shade on sharply drained sandy or gravelly soil. It requires a cold winter, moist spring, and dry summer dormancy that matches its montane origin. Watering during active spring growth supports flowering, but irrigation withheld once the foliage yellows prevents bulb rot. A neutral to slightly acidic pH from 6.0 to 7.0 suits it. Bulbs are set 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) deep in fall in a spot with no summer water. The species is slow from seed, taking four to six years to reach flowering size.Pruning
No pruning is needed for this bulb. The withering foliage is left in place to recharge the bulb after bloom. Spent flower stalks can be removed once seed is not wanted.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons