Calochortus amabilis

Common Names

Diogenes' Lantern, Golden Fairy Lantern, Short Lily, Yellow Globe Lily, Fairy Lantern, Globe Lily, Golden Globelily, Golden Lantern, Golden Globe Tulip

Summary

Native to northern California, this bulb-forming perennial grows on dry slopes in oak woodlands and chaparral. It features an upright waxy branching stem 10–50 cm tall, persistent basal leaves 20–50 cm long, and inflorescences of two or more nodding flowers with spreading yellow sepals and brown-speckled yellow petals; petals are waxy on the inside and densely hairy. The fruit is a winged capsule 20–30 mm long. Blooms in Apr–Jun. Common names include Golden Fairy Lantern and Yellow Globe Lily.

In cultivation it tolerates sun to partial shade, preferring well-drained, humus-rich soil and having low to very low water needs; in pots, water about 2.2–3.8 cm per week, allowing complete dryness during dormancy. Propagation is by seed with no seed treatment required. It is hardy, especially with mulching, and grown as an ornamental in drought-tolerant landscapes; historically, bulbs were eaten by Kashaya Pomo.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-20 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, partial shade.

Soil Type

Humus-rich, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil with high organic matter (up to two-thirds organic matter and one-third sand/gravel/grit).

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Glaucous (bluish-green)

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds; sow seeds as soon as ripe; seeds require no treatment.

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies