Subalpine Mariposa Lily

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Mariposa lilies are a large group of West Coast flowering plants in the Calochortus genus of the Lily Family, with over fifty different species native to the Western United States.

The top picture shows a Subalpine Mariposa Lily (Calochortus subalpinus). The flower's three petals and six stamen readily identify it as a member of the lily family.

It's one of a few Mariposa species with the nickname Cat's Ears, so named for the hairs on the petals. The yellow hairs that form a circle on the lower parts of the petals serve as a good field identification clue for the species.

They are found in higher altitude regions of the Cascade Mountains from central Washington to Central Oregon.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels