Alternate name: Yellow Pussy-ears, Yellowstar Tulip
Family: Liliaceae, Lily view all from this family
Description Only 3-8 in. high, the stems of this plant are zig-zagged and simple or branched. Leaves are mostly grass-like. Perky bright-yellow, starry flowers are held upright. Petals are densely bearded and clawed, with a red-brown spot on the claw.
Flower April - May.
Flower April - May
Habitat Wooded slopes from 1200-3600 ft.
Range Sierra foothills, Shasta to Tuolumne Counties, California.
Comments All Calochortus spp. are extremely difficult in cultivation. Flowering bulbs must be raised from seed for any success and bulbs must be kept completely dry from mid-summer to late fall. Needs protection from gophers and moles.
Exposure Preference Shade to partial shade.
Native Distribution California Sierran foothills, Shasta to Tuolumne Counties
Site Preference Wooded slopes from 1200-3600 ft.
Soil Preference Well-drained, clay loam.