Calochortus species T through U are found on this page.
Calochortus species A-B - Calochortus species C-D - Calochortus species E-Lo - Calochortus species Lu-N - Calochortus species O-R - Calochortus species S - Calochortus species V-Z - Calochortus hybrids - Calochortus index
Calochortus tiburonensis, also known as the Tiburon Mariposa, probably has the most limited range of all Calochortus species. It is only known from one very small locality, the summit (and a little below) of Ring Mountain on the Tiburon Peninsula in Marin County California. It is also a very "secretive" plant. You can be looking right at it, and not even see it! The colors are well camouflaged against the back drop of dried grasses, and greenish-brown rocks. This species has erect, 10-60 cm glaucous stems, usually unbranched, bearing one to eight, 3-4 cm bowl shaped flowers. Michael Mace wrote a very nice note about his adventure in finding these plants here.
Photos 1-3 were taken by Mary Gerritsen. You can see more of Mary's photos of C. tiburonensis here. Photos 4-6 were taken by Nhu Nguyen. Photo 4 is panel showing various different morphs of this variable species. Photo 5 shows the seedpod and photo 6 shows the bulb.
The photos below by Nhu Nguyen shows how the plants grow in their native habitat. Photo 3 shows the species growing with Allium lacunosum var. lacunosum, Triteleia laxa, and Chlorogalum pomeridianum.
Calochortus tolmiei has a long range from the north central Coast ranges of California to the Willamette Valley of Oregon. It is found in scree and coastal meadows at low to moderate elevations, on flats and slopes, in mixed conifer forests and from deep shade to sun. It often occurs in areas with a lot of winter rainfall. It is very similar to Calochortus coeruleus and Calochortus elegans. It can be white, lavender, purple, or bicolored. It is often challenging to grow, perhaps because it is so variable in where it is found that it would be difficult to know exactly what each bulbs wants.
The photos below taken by Bob Rutemoeller and Mary Sue Ittner show it in habitat on the Mendocino Sonoma Coast. The first four photos show it growing on the rocky bluff next to the Pacific Ocean in Sonoma County, California. The last two photos were taken at a more inland location where they were growing along the road bank in the shade of trees, but still blooming in profusion in a very wet spring, June 2011.
Photos 1-5 were taken by Mary Sue Ittner of several different forms. Photo 5 is called the "Humboldt" form by Telos Rare Bulbs that grows very low to the ground. Photo 6 by Nhu Nguyen shows the bulb.
Photo 1 was taken by Jim McKenney. Photo 2 was taken by Mark Mazer of one grown from Ron Ratko seed. Photo 3-6 were taken by Nhu Nguyen. Photo 3 shows a very nice purple form and photos 4-5 shows another form, both obtained from Telos Rare Bulbs. Photo 6 shows a plant in habitat on the Mendocino Coast.
Calochortus umbellatus is found on hillsides and slopes, either under trees or shrubs or in grasslands in areas where there is moderate rainfall and mild cool winters in the central Coast ranges of California around San Francisco Bay. It is very similar to Calochortus uniflorus but does not form bulbils, has longer stems which are often branched and is usually white. It often has lavender or purple spots at the base of the petals or pink and lavender stripes. It is often the first species in bloom for me and sometimes the longest (December to March some years.) The first two photos by Mary Sue Ittner, the third by Bob Werra.
The photos below were taken by Nhu Nguyen of plants growing in mixed serpentine soil on Ring Mountain, Marin Co., California.
Calochortus umpquaensis is restricted to a small area in Douglas County, southwestern Oregon. This species is found in open areas of coniferous forest, often on steep, gravelly or rocky north facing banks along the Umpqua River. Plants grow in serpentine soils, high in nickel, chromium, and zinc. Plants can be cultivated successfully in well drained soils, but need to be well watered during growth. C. umpquaensis is tolerant of some moisture during dormancy. Photo 1 was taken by Bob Rutemoeller and photo 2 by Mary Sue Ittner of bulbs purchased from the Robinett Bulb Farm in 1999, their last year. Photos 3-4 by Mary Gerritsen are photos of wild populations.
Calochortus uniflorus is found in temporarily wet meadows and prairies in the central and north coast ranges. This species is one of the easiest to grow and increases by bulbils. The first photo was taken by Sheila Burrow. The next three photos by Bob Rutemoeller show pictures of several forms grown from seed collected from a local Northern California population where it grows in an open area near the Pacific Ocean.
Habitat pictures taken in Sonoma County by Bob Rutemoeller and Mary Sue Ittner of plants growing in an open grassy area not far from the Pacific Ocean and at Salt Point State Park.
Calochortus uniflorus 'Cupido' is a commonly sold selection. Photos by David Pilling. The final one shows bulblet formation around the stem base.
Calochortus species A-B - Calochortus species C-D - Calochortus species E-Lo - Calochortus species Lu-N - Calochortus species O-R - Calochortus species S - Calochortus species V-Z - Calochortus hybrids - Calochortus index