PlantFiles: Yellow Mariposa
Calochortus luteus

Calochortus luteus is from California, found inland from Shasta Co. south to Tulare Co., and in the Coastal Ranges from Mendocino Co. to Santa Barbara Co., including Santa Cruz Island. It's one of the most common members of the genus, growing from sea level to about 700 meters. The Dutch have selected a particularly floriferous clone and called it "Golden Orb"

C. luteus is a member of Section II. Mariposa, Subsection 5. Venusti (Flowers campanulate and erect; sepals lanceolate obtuse-attenuate; petals obovate to cuneate; nectaries of varying shapes; capsules always erect, three-angled; seeds flattened and set horizontally in the capsule; bulbs with membranous tunics) (Callahan, "The Genus Calochortus" in "Bulbs of North America", Timber Press, 2001)

Like most Calochortus, C. luteus is a winter grower, though it is not very hardy. My "Golden Orbs" have survived temperatures down to -3C in mid-winter, but never for more than a few hours. In areas of heavy frost, a cold frame or greenhouse is recommended, especially for seeds in their first two or three years.

This species is not so particular about soil pH, but it does demand a well-drained soil (I use half grit) and doesn't seem to like too much organic matter mixed in. I lightly fertilize once a month when in growth with either plant ashes (like it gets in the wild after fires) or bonemeal.

Most important of all: this plant needs a dry summer rest!

For Native Californians, the bulb was an important food source. They would set controlled fires in late summer (sound familiar?) to keep taller shrubs in check.