GOLDEN TULIP (Calochortus luteus, Dougl.). Flowers 

 erect, cup-shaped, rather small, greenish-yellow to orange, 

 with a tendency to purple within; stems 4 inches to 1 foot 

 high; leaves very narrow and grass-like. Widely distributed 

 throughout California and blooming in spring and summer. 



The Golden Tulip is very variable and its varieties oculatus 

 (having eyes) and citrinus (lemon yellow) are more attractive 

 to most tastes than the type more beautiful daughters of a 

 beautiful m'other. Of variety oculatus, the distinguishing 

 feature is a brownish spot usually fringed with yellow in the 

 midst of the whitish or purple petal. Variety citrinus is char- 

 acterized by deep or lemon yellow petals with a maroon eye 

 central on each. In both varieties there is usually present be- 

 low the eye a hairy, crescent-shaped honey-gland that adds a 

 piquant touch. 



Most species of Calochortus have played an important part 

 in the aboriginal bill of fare, the corms or bulbs having been 

 dug up and eaten either raw or after roasting in hot ashes. 

 Besides being nutritious, they possess an agreeable sweet, 

 nutty flavor, which is further developed by cooking. Like 

 the bulbs of Brodisea, those of Calochortus are sometimes 

 called Indian or Wild Potatoes in Northern California. 

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