Calochortus clavatus var. clavatus
Club-haired mariposa lily
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Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Calochortus clavatus var. clavatus (Club-haired mariposa lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by large deep yellow petals with deep purple anthers.
Club-haired mariposa lily is a rare California native perennial ranked 4.3 by CNPS, found in southern Santa Catalina Mountains, northern Santa Cruz Mountains, western Transverse Ranges, and San Gabriel Mountains on serpentine landscapes at elevations below 1,300 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces deep yellow petals 40 to 50 millimeters long with striking deep purple anthers 8 to 10 millimeters in length. Growing with tall stems 50 to 100 centimeters high, it emerges with an elegant, upright form characteristic of mariposa lilies. Its slender stems support delicate, grass-like foliage typical of the Calochortus genus. The distinctive yellow and purple flower coloration makes this variety particularly eye-catching among California's native lily species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 20 sympatric species; large deep yellow petals with deep purple anthers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Generally serpentine
Elevation: < 1300 m
California counties: Los Angeles, San Benito, Ventura, San Luis Obispo
Bloom period
Calochortus clavatus var. clavatus blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
How to tell it apart
vs Clarkia: Calochortus has 6 stamens and grass-like leaves; Clarkia has 8 stamens and broad stem leaves.; vs Fritillaria: Calochortus flowers open upward/outward in cups; Fritillaria flowers hang downward like bells.; vs Thismia: Calochortus has green leaves and open flowers; Thismia is leafless with closed tubular flowers.; vs Eschscholzia: Calochortus has 6 petals and parallel-veined leaves; Eschscholzia has 4 petals and divided leaves.; vs Sidalcea: Calochortus has 6 petals and grass-like leaves; Sidalcea has 5 petals and rounded lobed leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Calochortus clavatus var. clavatus native to California?
Yes. Calochortus clavatus var. clavatus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus clavatus var. clavatus bloom?
Calochortus clavatus var. clavatus blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Calochortus clavatus var. clavatus grow?
Calochortus clavatus var. clavatus occurs in Los Angeles, San Benito, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, at elevations of < 1300 m.
What plant family does Calochortus clavatus var. clavatus belong to?
Calochortus clavatus var. clavatus is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
Is Calochortus clavatus var. clavatus rare or endangered?
Calochortus clavatus var. clavatus carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis — Slender mariposa lily
- Calochortus clavatus var. pallidus — Clubhair mariposa lily
- Calochortus clavatus var. recurvifolius — Arroyo de la cruz mariposa lily
- Calochortus coeruleus — Beavertail-grass
- Calochortus concolor — Golden bowl mariposa
- Calochortus dunnii — Dunn's mariposa lily
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.