Calochortus macrocarpus, also known as sagebrush mariposa lily, is a North American species of bulbous perennials in the lily family.Douglas, David 1828. Transactions of the Horticultural Society of London 7(2): 276–277, plate 8Gerritsen, M.E. & Parsons, R. (2007). Calochortus: Mariposa lilies & their relatives: 1-232. Timber press, Inc. Portland, U.S.A.
Distribution The plant is native to the Northwestern United States (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and western Montana), northern California, northern Nevada, and a small area of southern British Columbia.Calochortus macrocarpus in Flora of North America @ efloras.org Habitats include the Great Basin and Cascade Range.Jepson Manual
Description Calochortus macrocarpus leaves are blue-green and grass-like. The bulbs are tapering, like a carrot.Turner, Nancy J. Food Plants of Interior First Peoples (Victoria: University of British Columbia Press, 1997)
The flowers are large and three-petaled, and are pink to purple and sometimes white, with a greenish stripe on their underside. The sepals are about 2 inches long, much narrower and slightly longer than the petals. They typically bloom in June and July.
Uses First peoples in southern British Columbia harvested the bulbs from April to June. They can be eaten raw or cooked.
References
External links Jepson Manual Treatment of Calochortus macrocarpus United States Department of AgriculturePlants Profile for Calochortus macrocarpus Calphotos Photos gallery, University of California: Calochortus macrocarpus