Mariposa Lily, Golden mariposa lily

Calochortus aureus

Physical Characteristics

Calochortus aureus is a BULB growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America - Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

Habitats

East Wall. By. South Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Root Edible Uses: Bulb - raw[44, 61, 105, 161]. The bulbs are gathered in early spring and peeled before being eaten[257]. Flowers[257]. Edible Uses & Rating: All parts of C. aureus are technically edible, though bulbs are the most valuable food source. They can be roasted, boiled, or dried for later use. The flavor is mild and potato-like, free from bitterness or fibrous texture. Leaves and seeds have been recorded as edible, but they are less palatable and possibly irritating if eaten in quantity. Edibility rating: 4.5/5 for bulbs; 1.5/5 for leaves and seeds [2-3]. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Fresh bulbs have a crisp, smooth texture and a faintly sweet, nutty flavor. Roasting enhances sweetness, yielding a taste reminiscent of chestnut or sweet potato, while boiling gives a milder, starchy consistency similar to a small new potato. Indigenous preparations typically involved roasting bulbs in earth pits lined with hot stones or boiling them in baskets with heated rocks. Leaves and seeds, while edible, are tough and slightly acrid; boiling softens them but adds little culinary value [2-3]. Seasonality (Phenology): Flowering occurs from May to July, depending on elevation and seasonal rainfall. Seed capsules mature by late July to early September, often persisting on dry stems long after the leaves wither. Bulbs remain viable underground year-round, even during summer drought. Plants enter dormancy by mid-summer, re-emerging the following spring after winter moisture [2-3]. Safety & Cautions (Food Use): Bulbs are safe when cooked but should not be consumed raw. Leaves and seeds may contain mild irritants; caution is advised, especially for those with sensitive digestion. Avoid harvesting in national parks or protected areas, as some Calochortus species are legally protected. Harvest & Processing Workflow: Bulbs are harvested after flowering but before complete dieback, ensuring they are firm and well-formed. Dig with minimal soil disturbance using a narrow trowel. Clean, peel, and cook immediately or dry for later roasting. Traditional use involved roasting bulbs whole in earthen pits. Traditional / Indigenous Use Summary: The bulbs of C. aureus were widely eaten by Paiute, Ute, and Hopi peoples. They were roasted, boiled, or ground into flour, often used as a sweet, sustaining food. The plants also had cultural significance, sometimes used ceremonially as symbols of renewal and resilience.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known