Sagebrush mariposa lily, Green-banded maroposa lily
Calochortus macrocarpus
Family: Liliaceae
What it is like
A bulb plant. It is a herb that keeps growing from year to year. It has a bulb that tapers and is deep in the ground. The leaves are grass-like and blue-green. The leaves wither before the plant flowers. The stem is erect and usually unbranched. The flowers are pink and have 3 petals. The flowers can be 5 cm across. They can occur singly or as 2 or 3 at the top of the stem. The petals have a green stripe along them. There is also usually a dark purple band across them. The seed capsules are erect, narrow and taper.
There are about 60-100 Calochortus species. There are 7-9 species in tropical America. They have also been put in the family Calochortaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is best in light to medium well-drained soil. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost. It grows on dry hillsides.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America, USA
How it is used for food
The bulbs are eaten. They can be eaten raw or cooked. They are also canned. The flowers are added to salads.
It has been a significant food but should not be harvested from the wild and should be cultivated.
Edible parts
Flowers, root, bulb
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Koogi