Liliaceae FAMILY
Calochortus barbatus
Calochortus barbatus
Edibility
2/5
Medicinal
0/5
Safety & Hazards
None known
Botanical Description
Calochortus barbatus is a herbaceous perennial plant producing a cluster of grass-like basal leaves from an underground bulb. A flowering stem up to 60cm tall is produced as the leaves wither. The plant was a traditional food of the native N. Americans and often eaten in quantity. It is grown as an ornamental, valued for its attractive flowers.
Habitat & Origin
Origintemperate
Native RangeSouth-western N. America - Mexico from Chiahuahua in the north to Oaxaca in the south
HabitatGrassland, open oak and pine woods below 2,500 metres[ 260 Title Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2 Publication Author Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Publisher Pan Books, London. Year 1998 ISBN 0-330-37376-5 Description Excellent photos of over 1,100 species and cultivars with habits and cultivation details plus a few plant uses. Many species are too tender for outdoors in Britain though there are many that can be grown outside. ].