Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis
Slender mariposa lily
Photo: parent species Calochortus clavatus · (c) Skyler K, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Skyler K · licence
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis (Slender mariposa lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by short slender stature is distinctive.
Slender mariposa lily is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in western Transverse Ranges and southern Gabilan Range in shaded foothill canyons at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from May to June, this delicate lily produces white petals with distinctive red-brown lines, each 30 to 40 millimeters long and sparsely hairy. Growing with slender stems 20 to 30 centimeters tall, it emerges gracefully in protected canyon environments. Its leaves are narrow and emerge from the base of the plant, complementing the elegant flower structure. The petals feature a subtle nectary with striking red-brown markings that distinguish this variety from other mariposa lilies.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 17 sympatric species; short slender stature is distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Shaded foothill canyons
Elevation: < 1000 m
Bloom period
Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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. gracilis native to California?
Yes. Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis bloom?
Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis blooms May-Jun.
What plant family does Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis belong to?
Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis is in the Liliaceae family, genus Calochortus.
Is Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis rare or endangered?
Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2S3.
What habitat does Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis grow in?
Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis grows in Shaded foothill canyons.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.