calochortus

[kal-uh-kawr-tuh s]

noun, plural cal·o·chor·tus·es.

any plant of the genus Calochortus, of the lily family, as the mariposa lily and the sego lily.

Origin of calochortus

1813; < New Latin < Greek kal(ós) beautiful + -o- -o- + chórtos grass, fodder, orig. farmyard; see cohort, garth, yard²

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

This plant belongs to the section of Calochortus whose species are known as "star-tulips."
The Wild Flowers of California: Their Names, Haunts, and Habits
Mary Elizabeth Parsons