Calochortus ciscoensis facts for kids

The Calochortus ciscoensis, also known as the Cisco Mariposa Lily, is a beautiful wild flower found in North America. It belongs to the lily family. Scientists first officially described this plant in 2008.

About the Cisco Mariposa Lily

The Cisco Mariposa Lily is a special kind of plant. It grows from a bulb underground, much like an onion or a tulip. Because it's a perennial plant, it lives for more than two years. It comes back to life each spring without needing to be replanted.

What Does It Look Like?

This plant is a type of herb, meaning it has soft stems instead of woody ones. Each bulb can grow several stalks. These stalks can reach up to about 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) tall.

The flowers of the Cisco Mariposa Lily are very pretty. They can be either white or pink. One interesting thing about this flower is that it usually doesn't have a V-shaped mark, called a chevron. If it does, the mark is very small. This is different from a similar plant called Calochortus nuttalli.

The Cisco Mariposa Lily also has long leaves that hang down. These leaves are present when the plant is flowering. It often grows in groups, with many flowers blooming together.

Where Does It Grow?

This lily was first found in eastern Utah. It grows in counties like Uintah, Duchesne, and Grand Counties. Later, it was also discovered in Mesa County, Colorado.

The Cisco Mariposa Lily likes to grow in tough places. It prefers lower elevations and harsh ground. This shows how strong and adaptable this lovely wild flower is!