Calochortus catalinae
is the most widespread of the Mariposa Lilies in our area. In May when the
Catalina Mariposa Lily starts to open
I find them to be a special joy. The intricacy of the pattern in the bloom draws me in
almost as well as it does for the insects. Calochortus catalinae grows in moderately heavy soils in
grassland and open woodlands. This California native can be found in
the southern coastal ranges and the
channel islands below the elevation of 2,000 ft. On the mainland the
Catalina Maraposa Lily's range is
threatened by development.
High resolution images of
Bletilla striata alba are available.
