Subalpine mariposa lily is another species of restricted distribution — I could have included it in my list of narrow-range endemics of the Pacific Northwest, I suppose, but it is more common than the plants in that series (starting with Delphinium viridescens). It is found in south-central Washington and north-central Oregon, where it grows in “open forest in loose volcanic soils” (via Flora of North America). These plants were encountered on one of the trails around Birds Creek Meadow, on Yakama Nation land near Mt. Adams, in early August.
To see the diversity of flower form in Calochortus subalpinus, see: Calochortus subalpinus via Calphotos. To read more about the plant, see Calochortus: Mariposa lilies & their relatives: Calochortus subalpinus.
Beautiful little flower.
the entire genus and all of its forms are particularly lovely, what is it about them?! D. – thanks again
Thank you for the gorgeous picture!
“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” Luke 12:27
This is lovely, yet another reason for a trip to Oregon!
An ideal photo: context, contrast, various stages of maturity… Lovely!
One of neatest characters on this plant are the single dark purple spots on the base of each petal. You can just barely make them out in the photo.
Hey Christian – Thanks for that! I wouldn’t have noticed…..great reminder for noticing the little things in life.