Cat's Ear, Short Stemmed Mariposa Lily (Calochortus uniflorus), Pacific northwest native perennial

Calochortus uniflorus (Cat’s Ear, Short Stemmed Mariposa Lily, Monterey Mariposa Lily, Large-Flowered Star-Tulip)

Kingdom	:	Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom	:	Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision	:	Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division	:	Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class	:	Liliopsida – Monocotyledons
Subclass	:	Liliidae
Order	:	Liliales
Family	:	Liliaceae – Lily family
Genus	:	Calochortus Pursh – mariposa lily
Species	:	Calochortus uniflorus Hook. & Arn. – Monterey mariposa lily

Photo, left, credit: California BLM

Coming across a Mariposa Lily anywhere at any time is always a treat. This shorter Pacific northwest lily is a bit easier to grow than some of the taller ones.

It does best in moist meadows and open woodland situations in USDA zones 8-9.
It is found naturally at lower elevations of the Cascade and Siskiyou Mountains in Oregon and can also be found around Monterey, California.
The solid bright lavender to pink petals have small hairs, therefore dubbed Cat’s Ears. Flowering late spring--mid summer.
The pronounced stamens are quite attractive and the tepals peeking through the petals give these lilies their characteristic look.
Cat’s Ear needs spring moisture but loves a dry sunny position in summer with good drainage, a great rock garden lily.

Photo, left, credit: Don Loarie; Photo, center, credit: Bureau of Land Management Bureau of Land Management - Flickr; Photo, right, credit: Don Loarie