Overview
Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. aureus (S. Wats.) Ownbey, commonly known as the golden fairy lantern, is a species of flowering plant in the lily family, Liliaceae. Indigenous to the western United States, this perennial herb is found in the coastal ranges and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Common Names
The golden fairy lantern is also known as the sulfur mariposa lily, yellow mariposa tulip or yellow globe lily.
Appearance
The golden fairy lantern grows from a bulb and can grow up to 24 inches tall. It has narrow, grass-like leaves that are typically around 6 inches long. It produces one to several stems with a few to several, showy, tulip-like, upright flowers with petals that range from yellow to gold. The flowers have purple-brown to blackish spots at the base and are about 1.5 inches wide. The overall appearance of the flower is similar to a lantern or parachute, with the petals pointing upward and the sepals flaring outward. The fruit produced by the plant is a capsule that is roughly 3 centimeters in length.
Uses
The golden fairy lantern is a popular ornamental plant for gardens and landscapes because of its striking and attractive flowers. However, the plant also has medicinal uses - the Navajo used a decoction made from the roots to treat backache, while the Paiute used a poultice made from the pulverized bulbs to treat spider bites.
Light requirements
Calochortus nuttallii var. aureus typically requires full to partial sunlight. It can tolerate bright, direct sunlight, but it also grows well in partially shaded areas. In areas with hot summers, it is essential to provide some afternoon shade to prevent the plant from drying out or overheating.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature range for Calochortus nuttallii var. aureus is between 10°C to 25°C. During the winter, the temperatures can drop to -15°C. Thus, it is recommended to grow this plant in hardy zones USDA 4 to 8. In colder zones, the plant may need some extra protection or need to grow in containers to regulate the temperature.
Soil requirements
Calochortus nuttallii var. aureus grows well in well-draining soil mixes. It prefers loamy or sandy soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients, but not waterlogged. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 to 7.5. It is important to note that this plant is drought tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungus-related diseases.
Cultivation Methods
The Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. aureus (S. Wats.) Ownbey, commonly called the golden mariposa lily, grows naturally in dry meadows and pine forests. To cultivate this plant, make sure to provide it with well-draining soil, ample sunlight, and good air circulation. You can start them from seeds or bulbs. If you opt to start from seeds, use a seed-starting medium and keep them moist until germination.
Watering Needs
The golden mariposa lily is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water. However, it grows best with moderate watering. Water the plants deeply once a week during active growth and reduce watering during the dormant period.
Fertilization
This plant doesn't require a lot of fertilizers. However, fertilization can help to boost growth. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in early spring when the plants start to grow. Avoid applying fertilizer during the dormant period.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically necessary for the golden mariposa lily. However, removing the spent blooms can help to encourage further growth and bloom. If you opt to deadhead the flower stalks, wait until the stalks have completely died back before cutting them off. Leave the leaves intact as they help to provide energy to the bulbs for the following year's blooms.
Propagation of Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. aureus (S. Wats.) Ownbey
Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. aureus (S. Wats.) Ownbey, commonly known as golden fairy lantern or yellow mariposa lily, can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from the plant during the flowering period, which occurs from May to July. The collected seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready to be sown. To ensure high germination rates, it is recommended to sow the seeds in the fall when the soil is cooler. The seeds can be sown directly into the garden bed or in seed trays filled with well-draining, rich soil. The seedlings will emerge the following spring.
Bulb Division
Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. aureus (S. Wats.) Ownbey produces small bulbs that can be dug up and divided in the fall or winter. The bulbs can be replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth as they were before. It is recommended to replant the bulbs immediately after division to prevent them from drying out.
Vegatative Propagation
Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. aureus (S. Wats.) Ownbey can also be propagated through vegetative propagation. This involves taking stem cuttings from the plant and rooting them in a well-draining soil mix. The stems should be cut just below a node and the lower leaves removed. The cutting should be inserted into the soil at a depth of half an inch and kept moist. Roots will form within a month, and the new plant can be transplanted into the garden bed once it has grown big enough.
Disease and Pest Management for Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. aureus (S. Wats.) Ownbey
Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. aureus (S. Wats.) Ownbey, also known as the golden mariposa lily, is a beautiful plant that is known to be low maintenance. However, it is not immune to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Botrytis blight: This is a fungal disease that affects the flowers and leaves of the plant. It causes brown or gray spots on flowers and leaves, and can lead to wilted flowers. To manage this disease, you need to prune any infected parts and keep the plant dry to avoid moisture build-up. You can also apply a fungicide to the plant as a preventive measure.
2. Fusarium wilt: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant and causes them to rot. It leads to wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. To manage this disease, you need to remove any infected plants to avoid the spread of the disease. You can also apply a fungicide that contains chitosan to the soil to manage the disease.
Pests
1. Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They cause yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and wilting. To manage these pests, you can remove them by hand or apply insecticidal soap to the plant.
2. Spider mites: These are tiny insects that feed on the plant's sap and cause yellowing of leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage these pests, you can spray the plant with water or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant.
3. Thrips: These are small insects that feed on the flowers and leaves of the plant and cause discoloration and distortion of the flowers and leaves. To manage these pests, you can remove them by hand or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant.
In conclusion, Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & Gray var. aureus (S. Wats.) Ownbey is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal care. However, it can still be affected by diseases and pests that can impact its growth and development. Proper management of these diseases and pests is essential to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
