Mariposa Lily (2)

Gunnison's Mariposa Lily
Calochortus gunnisonii

Family: Lily (Liliaceae)
AKA: Sego Lily
Photo taken on: July 20, 2005
Location: Almont, CO
Life Zones: Foothills to subalpine
Habitat: Meadows, sagebrush

Grows to 20" singly or in colonies. Leaves are basal and withered at bloom time. Color is usually white but can be purple. Left is in Almont, CO, right on Pajarito Mtn. in NM.

Flora of North America reference.

Nuttall's Mariposa Lily
Calochortus nuttallii

Family: Lily (Liliaceae)
AKA: Sego Lily
Photo taken on: May 11, 2015
Location: Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM
Life Zones: Plains to foothills
Habitat: Dry meadows, sagebrush, woodlands

Grows 6" to 18" with 1 to 4 flowers. Leaves are narrow and folded, basal leaves are withered at bloom time. Petals are white tinged with lilac. Distinguished from Gunnison's Mariposa Lily by the broken purple/maroon band above the yellow base of the petals.

Flora of North America reference.