This rare bulbous perennial has upright branched stems and basal leaves that form a small clump. It has long mid-green lance-shaped leaves and the nodding yellow-green lantern-like flowers appear in a cluster from spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10 

Calochortus pulchellus is naturally found in North America growing in a restricted region in Mount Diablo, California in woodlands and chaparral commonly on serpentine from an altitude of 200 to 800 m (2,500ft). 

It prefers an open sunny to semi-shaded protected position and grows in well-drained moderately fertile moist soils that are acidic tending neutral, with a pH 6-7.5 and is frost and drought tolerant.  

The Mount Diablo Fairy-lantern is grown for its flowers and is planted in perennial borders or rockeries and in woodland settings.  It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions establishing in 2-3 years and is moderately long lived. It is a rare plant that is endangered in its natural habitat and may be difficult to obtain requiring a specialist nursery. ID 3641

Calochortus (KAH-loh-KOR-tus)   pulchellus (pool-KEL-us)

Liliaceae (lil-ee-AY-see-ee)
Lily Family