Calochortus is a genus of lilies which includes the Utah state flower, Sego lily or Calochortus nuttallii. This post is about two other species I found while hiking in Montana.
All calochortus species are known as mariposa lilies, and break with the usual lily pattern, in that the sepals and petals are not identical. The sepals, or outer three tepals, are smaller, while the petals, or inner three tepals, are larger and usually colorful, especially near the center.
All calochortus species are known as mariposa lilies, and break with the usual lily pattern, in that the sepals and petals are not identical. The sepals, or outer three tepals, are smaller, while the petals, or inner three tepals, are larger and usually colorful, especially near the center.
Calochortus apiculatus |
The bulbs can be difficult to dig up
successfully, since the stem easily breaks off of it. I only have a
success rate of around 50%, but I console myself by thinking that the
bulbs I miss will grow again the next year.
The bulbs have several layers, first a
dirty brown outer layer, then a lighter colored layer, then a shiny
brown layer, and finally the white inner bulb. This white inner bulb
is the good part, and is typically about a half-inch (or 1
centimeter) is diameter. The taste is crisp and slightly sweet, and
reminds me of the taste of jicama root.
Calochortus elegans |
The taste of the bulb is the same as other mariposa lilies. The leaves are tough and grass-like, so not much fun to try to eat. The three-winged fruits are tender and taste good; they remind me somewhat of sweet-pea pods, but not as sweet. The unopened flower buds are also good, but the mature flowers taste a bit bitter to me.
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