*San Luis Mariposa lily, star tulip (Calochortus obispoensis, Liliaceae) The San Luis Mariposa lily is a splendid wildflower that grows 30 to 60 cm. (1 to 2 feet) tall from a bulb. Its 20- to 30-cm. (8- to 12-inch) basal leaves wither before the plant blooms. The inflorescence is erect and contains two to six flowers. The three ovate petals measure about 10 to 20 mm. (1/2 to 1 inch) long. They are deep yellow to orange and coarsely hairy inside, fringed, and bear a dark tuft of hairs at the tip. Each petal has a round nectary which is nearly hidden by dense hairs. Blooming usually occurs around late May or early June. These lilies grow on rocky, grassy slopes in serpentinite and chaparral communities. They are rare. The bulbs of the star tulip were eaten. Calochortus is Greek and means "beautiful grass." Obispoensis refers to San Luis Obispo, California, the only county where this species occurs. The San Luis Mariposa lily is the logo for the local chapter of the California Native Plant Society.

see Poly Canyon Revisted