No. 8 - Calochortus macrocarpus - Postcard Set of 10

Calochortus macrocarpus, also known as the sagebrush mariposa, is an herbaceous perennial in the lily family (Liliaceae) that grows east of the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest. Flowers are seen from May to July and are often seen in open dry forests, grasslands, and sagebrush.

The common name “mariposa,” comes from the Spanish word for butterfly, as they sometimes can resemble colorful butterflies fluttering in the wind. The genus name, Calochortus, is derived from Greek, meaning “beautiful grass.” Thin, grass-like leaves help prevent excessive water loss in the arid summers of the west.