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Sagebrush mariposa lily

Representing the drier part of the distribution of this beautiful group of lilies, the sagebrush mariposa lily (Calochortus macrocarpus) occurs in steppes and grasslands of the intermountain west, from British Columbia to Idaho. This individual was found in Smith Rock State Park near Bend Oregon. A distinguishing trait of the species is the long sepals (leaf-like tissues below the petals).

 

Sagebrush mariposa lily is one of around 70 species in the group of Calochortus species. The name Calochortus translates to "beautiful grass," and the common name references one of their notable pollinators, the butterflies (mariposa in Spanish).

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Uploaded on August 30, 2023
Taken on July 10, 2023