Calochortus excavatus
A California-endemic, bulbous perennial in the lily family occupying alkaline Shadscale scrub in the Owens Valley and eastern Mono and Inyo Counties at 1,150–2,000 m, growing up to 30 cm tall with 1–6 erect bell-shaped white flowers often green-striped with a red-purple base blotch, blooming Apr–Jul, and listed as CNPS 1B.1 and a Federal Species of Concern due to threats from groundwater loss.
Common Names
Inyo County Star-Tulip
Summary
Inyo County star-tulip is a perennial bulbiferous herb in the Liliaceae, endemic to eastern California (Mono and Inyo Counties). It forms slender, unbranched stems to about 30 cm tall and carries an inflorescence of 1–6 erect bell-shaped flowers with three non-spotted sepals and three white petals that may show green outer striping and a red-purple blotch at the base.
Its habitat includes grassy meadows, seeps, and alkaline Shadscale scrub at elevations of 1,150–2,000 m, and it flowers from April to July. Conservation status is California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1 and global rank G2; about 70 occurrences across Inyo and Mono Counties, often as small remnants. Threats include groundwater loss/pumping, development, grazing, road maintenance, and non-native plants.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
4-12 inches
Soil Type
Alkaline soil
Soil Drainage
Mesic
Soil pH
Alkaline soil (high pH)
Bloom Color
White petals with a red-purple blotch at the base (may have green striping on outer surfaces).
Bloom Time
Spring and Summer
Foliage Color
Green
Seasons of Interest
Spring and Summer
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- Greene
- Publication
- Pittonia 2: 71 (May 1890)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Liliales
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Genus
- Calochortus