Stems ± slender, usually not branching, often scapelike, 0.5–2 dm. Leaves: basal persistent, 1–2 dm; blade linear, flat, glabrous adaxially. Inflorescences 1–7-flowered. Flowers erect to spreading; perianth open, campanulate; sepals oblong-lanceolate, 12–16 mm, usually glabrous, adaxial surface minutely papillose; petals light green to white, usually with purple crescent distal to gland, ± oblanceolate or broader, 10–15 mm, adaxial surface hairy only distal to gland, margins conspicuously ciliate; glands lunate, usually slightly depressed, bordered proximally by ± ciliate membrane, distally by short hairs; anthers lanceolate, apex apiculate. Capsules nodding, winged, ellipsoid-globular, 1–2 cm, apex obtuse or acute. Seeds light brown, irregular. 2n = 20.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

nw United States.

Discussion

Varieties 3 (3 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Calochortus elegans var. elegans, Calochortus elegans var. nanus, Calochortus elegans var. selwayensis

Key

1	Petal gland membranes erose to crenate.	Calochortus elegans var. nanus
1	Petal gland membranes deeply fringed.	> 2
2	Petal glands broadly transverse-oblong, extending nearly across lower portion of petal, depressed, strongly arched distally; petals densely bearded.	Calochortus elegans var. elegans
2	Petal glands shortly transverse-oblong, not depressed, straight or only slightly arched; petals only moderately bearded.	Calochortus elegans var. selwayensis