Calochortus tolmiei aka Tolmie's Star Tulip

Calochortus tolmiei, or Tolmie startulip, belongs to the lily family, Liliaceae. It grows from a bulb and reaches about 1 foot [0.3 metres]. Kew places its native range from Washington to west-central California. Plants For A Future also lists western Oregon within its range. This plant comes from a temperate region of western North America. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

In the wild, it grows on dry, rocky, brush-covered slopes. It also grows in open, stony parts of mountain conifer forests. These sites lie at elevations of 3,280–7,220 feet [1,000–2,200 metres]. Its flowering season runs from April to June. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers. The supplied species records give no details of flower colour or fruit. They also provide no species-level account of its leaves or stems.

In gardens, this bulb needs fertile soil with very good drainage. Deep, sandy soil suits it, as does a gritty growing mix. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. It can grow in full sun or light shade. Plants For A Future lists both dry and moist soil as suitable. Yet it stresses that winter wet poses a serious risk. Cold tolerance alone does not make this an easy garden plant. The source gives USDA zones 3–7 and describes cultivation in Britain as difficult.

A bulb frame offers one way to control wet conditions. A spot beside a south-facing wall is another suggested option. Plants For A Future also lists sites beside east-facing walls. Its guidance allows lifting bulbs after the leaves die in summer. Store lifted bulbs somewhere cool and dry, then replant in spring. Sow seed when ripe or in early spring under cold-frame cover. Use a mix that drains freely. Seedlings need care during their first dormant period. Too much moisture can cause rot; too little can dry them out. Leave seedlings undisturbed for their first two years.

Plants For A Future reports that the bulbs are edible raw or cooked. It describes a sweet taste and suggests boiling or baking them. The source records no known hazards, but this does not establish pet safety. It lists no known medicinal or other uses. It also reports no weed potential.