Calochortus

There are many Calochortus species in bloom now in the greenhouses.  The Calochortus season starts with Calochortus uniflorus, blooming as early as February, and now in seed.  By May, however, the later blooming species are opening their buds.  These are usually species from higher elevation, and some are not easy to grow.  I was very happy to see buds on Calochortus nuttallii this year, a species that I have struggled to grow.  it comes from the Great Basin, a region with blistering hot summers, bitterly cold winters and very little rainfall.  In our cool, damp climate, these are conditions that are impossible to reproduce, but I have been successful in getting some to maturity.  It is seen here to the right.

Calochortus bruneaunis is similar to C. nuttallii, coming from Idaho, Montana and Nevada.  It, too, grows in desert scrub. Here it is to the left.

Calochortus gunnisoni (ro the right) comes from the Rocky Mountains.  There are pink flowered forms and white flowered forms, both with a beautiful ring of golden hairs in the center.

Calochortus leichtlinii (to the left) is from the Sierra Nevada mountains, where it grows at fairly high elevation.  The pollen, as you can see from the picture, is deep purple.

Calochortus macrocarpus is a very widespread species, from southern British Columbia through Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and even into the far reaches of northeastern California.  It grows mostly is desert conditions. 

Calochortus greenei (to the right) is from the Oregon/California border.  While on my travels last year, I visited a region where it is reputed to grow, but found no trace.  Apparently, like many Calochortus, it can remain dormant for several years, so it may very well be there but taking a break.

www.telosrarebulbs.com