Mariposa Lilies

a beautiful genus of western plants corresponding in our flora to the tulips of the Old World. Mariposa tulip would be a better name. They are found throughout a wide reach of territory, extending from Montana, Wyoming, and New Mexico to the Pacific coast, and from British Columbia to Mexico. The most easterly species is found in Nebraska. The typical mariposa takes its name from a valley of California. Like the Old World tulip they spring from coated corms. Some species are woodland flowers; some grow in meadows; others in the crevices of crumbled rock; and yet others give variety to arid deserts. The flowers are usually bell-shaped, erect, drooping or nodding. The coloring is exquisite. There are delicate tints, creamy whites, and rich reds, yellows, browns, purples, lilac, and lavender. These flowers are the delight of Western florists and collectors. See Tulip