Fairy Lantern
(White Globe Lily)
Calochortus albus

[kal-oh-KOR-tus  AL-bus]

FAMILY: Liliaceae (Lily)

DESCRIPTION: {native} These lilies start with a single linear leaf, which can grow quite large before the flower spike appears. The striking flower is hidden inside the 'lantern', but worth a closer look. The fruit is a three-sided capsule that grows quite large, eventually drying and releasing many small black seeds for next year.

HABITAT: Common in shady woodlands throughout the Sierra Navada Foothills.

NOTES: This was the year of the Fairy Lanters. They were all through the farm, and we saw more on every hike we took. Lovely!